Area Agent, Livestock

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.

The Extension Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Edgecombe and Nash counties. This position will demand a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with a broad background of knowledge in animal agriculture including, but not limited to swine, cattle: beef and dairy, lambs, goats, poultry and horses. Livestock production in Edgecombe and Nash Counties is diverse and includes cow-calf operations, contract hog operations, and poultry operations which provides 29% and 36% respectively in agricultural cash receipts. This position works closely with the 4-H program to provide the leadership for a highly successful 4-H youth livestock program. This position will also provide leadership to the operation of the East Carolina Agriculture & Education Center/Livestock Arena.

Responsibilities of this position will include the development of educational programs in animal agriculture, 4-H youth livestock, equine, forages, waste management, farm safety, poultry and dairy education. An office is provided in each county.

Additional responsibilities include partnering with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed. Management of the East Carolina Agriculture & Education Center- Livestock Arena is required and work with the board on facility improvements, meetings, work with clients on rentals.

Duties and Responsibilities
The person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele; is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage targeted audiences; and, who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems and leadership to the 4-H & youth livestock programs.

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Edgecombe & Nash County Extension staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently.

This person should be able to:

* Develop and maintain organized programs that follow NC Cooperative Extension, county, and national laws, policies, and guidelines.

* Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the Agriculture program and services on a regular basis.

* Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies and community organizations to meet the needs of the agriculture community.

* Network with agents, specialists and local Ag. Producers to plan and implement innovative field days/educational programs.

* Promote Agriculture within the county.

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 the job 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 the job related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in the job 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 County Extension Area 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 County Extension Area Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The County Extension Area Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension Area Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county 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 an agricultural or related field. Some travel within the district and state is required . Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

A Bachelor's degree in the area of Animal Science or related area of science is preferred.

Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking and resource development are also preferred.

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC
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.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

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.