Area Agent-Consumer Horticulture & Field Crops

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 Horticultural Extension Agent provides leadership in determining, implementing and evaluating educational programs which are designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems. The Horticultural Extension Agent is a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University and will cooperate with other faculty in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities.

The successful candidate must be able to create and conduct educational programs that focus on horticultural issues. This person 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. The position requires working closely with community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils, and appropriate specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities. Additional responsibilities include managing pesticide education, developing innovative strategies for program marketing, and evaluating educational programs by showing measurable impact. This position will recruit, train, and supervise Master Gardener volunteers to assist with the implementation and instruction of educational programs within Craven County. Pesticide education duties will be shared within Craven (80%) and Carteret (20%) counties with limited field crop responsibilities within both counties.

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 field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

For more information about Craven and Carteret Counties, go to:

Craven County: https://www.cravencountync.gov/

Carteret County: https://www.carteretcountync.gov/

The position provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of both counties in the area of consumer horticulture and field crops. The primary responsibilities for the area agent in this position will include training and managing a strong master gardener program. Provide timely responses to consumer horticulture calls as well as agricultural field crop calls. Work with other agents to provide leadership as it relates to pesticide education certification. The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audience throughout these counties.

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 Crop Science, agronomy, horticulture or a related agricultural field is required.

Travel within the district and assigned counties is required. Occasional travel outside the district is also required. Travel is reimbursed according to state guidelines.

A Master's degree in preferred.

Extension or other professional experience, including a high level of computer competency, is desired.

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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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