Extension Agent (Assistant, Associate, or Full), Horticulture

North Carolina State University•Raleigh, NC

30d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension. No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job! The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications. While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include: The agent in this position will have educational responsibilities in all phases of horticulture, pesticide certification, and field crops (tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat) for Warren County. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina horticulture, pesticide certification, and field crops, utilizing best practices based on research to include the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for research development in these program areas. This position will coordinate with NCDA&CS, serving as the pesticide coordinator. The agent will also be responsible for training Master Gardeners. The position will also support the Warren County Farmers Market and Warren County Farmers Market Manager. North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. Warren County, located on the North Carolina-Virginia border, is in Cooperative Extension's Northeast District. Warren County is a thriving rural community known for creative, sustainable economic revitalization. The county seat is Warrenton and the county population is approximately 18,700. The estimated agricultural income is $48 million of which, grains as well as livestock, forages, and forestry are all an important aspect of the agricultural economy. Warren County is in the process of developing a new Farmer's Market venue along with increasing opportunities for small and new/beginning farmers. In addition to a rural agrarian setting, Warren County also has a significant recreation/retirement community along Lake Gaston.

Requirements

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field.
A Bachelor's degree in crop science, agronomy or closely related field is required.
The candidate must be able to network with broad audiences, customers, volunteers, Extension Specialists, and local Extension staff.
The candidate must be able to develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs and provide leadership in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs and activities with measurable impacts.
Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district is required. Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.
Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required.
Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree is preferred. It is the expectation that a Master's degree will be pursued.
Previous Cooperative Extension and/or relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

The agent provides agricultural producers with research-based information on production, technology, and economics for various crops and assists with problem solving on production issues.
The agent will be expected to develop, market, and teach educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations in order to effectively reach intended audiences throughout Warren County.
Assist both established agricultural producers and beginning farmers in developing market-driven, systems-integrated, and sustainable specialty crop and/or alternative enterprises that are appropriate for commercial horticulture and farm operations
Develop, coordinate, and deliver integrated educational programming that assists agricultural producers and stakeholders, and other parties interested in commercial horticulture security issues in building capacity.
Support the development of the new Warren County Farmers market alongside the Farmers Market Manager.
Support the Small Farms Technician with both expertise and Warren County Farm rental equipment
Coordinate and facilitate the Volunteer Ag District Advisory Board.
The agent will hold yearly pesticide education classes and exams.
Monthly reporting on educational contacts and program impacts is required.
Must have an understanding of grants, grant writing, and reporting.