Temporary Extension Technician - Goldsboro, NC

College education or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Some working experiences at commercial farms preferred and at least one year of related plant production experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Two years of experience in working (hands-on) in horticulture with a focus on vegetable production and at least one years (hands-on) experience with high tunnel, greenhouse and/or organic production systems.

Knowledge of agroforestry and food safety

Experience in collecting and inputting data (i.e. crop yields).

Experience in preparing for field days, tours and other on-farm educational events.

Knowledge of how to successfully grow and harvest plants in the field and manage plants in a greenhouse and high tunnel.

Understanding of organic production.

Ability to use and maintain basic horticulture farm equipment (tractors and implements as well as hand tools) as well as basic computer software for recordkeeping.

Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and work in inclement weather.

North Carolina Drivers License.

North Carolina Pesticide License or the ability to obtain once hired.

The Extension Technician - Horticulture provides technical, hands-on support for demonstration and educational programs involving the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems Small Farm Unit, in Goldsboro, NC. This position is responsible to the specialty fruit and vegetable production, demonstration, and training under the leadership of CEFS Director at NC A&T and the Small Farm Unit manager. Duties include crop establishment and maintenance; harvesting/post-harvest handling of crops; greenhouse and high tunnel management; recordkeeping, data collection and entry; and communication with clientele, members of producer groups and non-government organizations, co-workers, and other organization staff.

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas - Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners - North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the area of specialization, the program, process, and organizational operation.

Provides technical, hands-on support for demonstration and educational programs in horticulture and natural resources.

Establishes and maintains crops, including activities of planting, fertilizing, pest control, and other horticultural and agricultural tasks.

Harvests crops and handles post-harvesting duties, including plot clean-up.

Manages greenhouse and high tunnels.

Uses and maintains job related tools, equipment and facilities

Responsible for record-keeping, including data collection and entry as well as evaluations using common office type software programs.

Interacts positively with clientele, members of producer groups and non-government organizations as well as co-workers and other organization staff.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.