Extension Agent, Ag

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.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

This position demands a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with an understanding of production agriculture. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for educational programming and informational assistance related to field crops, local foods, consumer horticulture, livestock, and community pests in Currituck County. This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs. A general knowledge of specialty fruit and vegetable crops and niche agricultural markets specific to a tourist economy is preferred. This individual is also responsible for supervision of an Agriculture Technician who oversees the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program.

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.

Currituck County is the northeastern most county in North Carolina. This 40 mile long, peninsular county is surrounded by the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the North River, Albemarle Sound, and Camden County on the west, Hampton Roads, Virginia to the north and Dare County to the South. Two national wildlife refuges are located here, one of which is the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge which is home to multiple herds of the state's official horse - the Wild Colonial Spanish Mustang. The Currituck Outer Banks, including the off-road area of Carova is a thriving tourist destination which is the largest economic driver in Currituck County. The total area of the county is 526.43 square miles with just over 50% of the area being water. There are no incorporated towns in Currituck. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the county, with around $23 million dollars in sales, annually. These sales come from soybean (29th in the state), corn (22nd in the state), and wheat (26th in the state) production from 89 farms on 44,834 acres. The county is well known for its roadside produce stands that dot the highway leading to the Outer Banks. A rural atmosphere and favorable tax rates have driven a population boom in Currituck of over 31% over the past twelve years.

For information about Currituck County visit https://currituckcountync.gov/ To learn more about the NCCE Currituck County Center go to https://currituck.ces.ncsu.edu/

The person in this position must possess a high degree of general agriculture subject matter competence. They must also have excellent problem solving, public speaking, verbal and written communication, and effective teaching skills for in person and virtual educational programs. Additionally, the person in this position must have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension education program in the assigned areas.

The agent will be responsible for providing leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating and marketing educational programs and activities with measurable impacts in the areas of field crop production, landscape and turf management, alternative farm enterprises, business management, and pesticide education. Programs address current and future agricultural production, natural resource issues, challenges including alternative farm enterprises, business management, and water quality. The candidate must be able to develop innovative strategies for presenting both in person and virtual educational programs to farmers, youth, farm families, and related organizations and businesses. Position requires being able to lift 50 lbs.

This person must be self-directed, having the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and schedules, have effective oral and written communication skills, and be willing to work with broad audiences. Grant writing and project management experience is essential. Computer, organization, interpersonal and networking skills are crucial for success. Ability to effectively deliver information via mass media is expected. Candidates must be willing to work with the staff to support the entire Extension program.

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. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

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.

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.

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.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.