Extension Agent, Ag - Commercial Horticulture

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 responsible and self-motivated individual with outstanding relationship skills and a strong technical background in commercial horticulture. Responsibilities will include providing technical assistance to famers and developing educational programs for all areas of commercial fruit and vegetable horticulture including production, post-harvest handling, food safety, marketing, and related agricultural issues facing the producers in Cleveland County. The Commercial Horticulture Agent will also provide educational and information services to nursery, greenhouse, and floriculture growers and serve as a co-lead in the pesticide education program.

Blackberries, muscadines, strawberries, peaches, apples, squash and tomatoes are the key horticultural crops grown in Cleveland County. There is a diverse range of production, including large-scale producers selling wholesale and small-scale market growers focusing on direct-to-consumer sales. The position is expected to make regular farm visits (mileage reimbursed) to help growers assess problems, explore opportunities, and apply research-based best management practices. The Commercial Horticulture Agent will also develop working relationships with University Specialists and collaborate with them to conduct on-farm research trials and demonstrations.

The position will provide support and assistance to commodity groups and community organizations, including the NC Caneberry Association and the NC Muscadine Grape Association, Cleveland County Agricultural Fair, and Foothills Farmers' Market, which operates year-round at three market locations.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
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.

The Commercial Horticulture Agent will:

* Provide leadership in planning, implementing, marketing and evaluating educational programs and activities with measurable impacts.

* Be a team player and support the total Extension program.

* Network with broad audiences, customers, volunteers, Extension Specialists, and the local Extension staff.

* Actively seek outside resources to enhance the program.

* Develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs.

The agent in this position will have educational responsibilities for all phases of commercial horticulture, including greenhouse, commercial fruit and vegetable production, and sustainable agriculture as it relates to specialty crops, organics, community-supported agriculture, local farmers' markets, and pesticide education. Production experience with horticulture crops is required, as the position is expected to conduct on-farm research and demonstrations in the county.

The successful candidate must be able to create and conduct educational programs that focus on the profitability and sustainability of these areas of responsibility, utilizing best practices based on research to include the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial management practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for resource development in the program areas.

The person in this position must possess a high degree of horticulture subject matter competence and excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension education program in the assigned areas. Additional responsibilities include managing pesticide education as it pertains to the green industry, developing and coordinating youth horticulture programs, developing innovative strategies for program marketing, and evaluating educational programs by showing measurable impact.

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.

- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to horticulture or in a related field with work experience in Extension or working/teaching in communities.

- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

- Ability to work and interact with, and have respect for all populations.

- Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.

- Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office).

- Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

- Ability to travel and work after-hours and weekends as needed (may be seasonally extensive).

- Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.

- Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training,

A Master's degree is preferred. Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and good computer skills.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. A valid NorthCarolina 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.

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