Extension Agent, 4-H (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

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. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

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.

Primary Purpose of Position
The 4-H Extension Agent is an employee of North Carolina State University and a professional educator. The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and supports the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non- formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in 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 North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The individual in the position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school-based 4-H programs.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
NC Cooperative Extension is the educational outreach arm of the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in collaboration with NC A&T State University. The two Land-Grant institutions provide research-based information, programming and technical assistance to all North Carolina citizens, addressing a 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: U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, Cooperative Extension is able to bring a wide variety of resources to all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. North Carolina 4-H is North Carolina Cooperative Extension's youth development arm and it is the largest professional youth development organization in North Carolina, serving more than 250,000 youth annually. Nationally, 4-H impacts more than six-million youth across all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. Four-H offers programming to youth 5 - 18 years of age in STEM, Civic Engagement, Camping, Public Speaking, Clubs, and much more.

Nash County is a thriving community located just east of Raleigh and sits at the intersection of I-95 and I-87. The county seat and the Extension office are located in Nashville. As of the 2020 census, the population was 94,970. As of 2023, the biggest sectors in Nash County's economy were manufacturing, healthcare, social services, retail, food and accommodation services and education. Nash County comprises 11 municipalities, all varying in size. Rocky Mount is the largest city in the county with over 55,000 residents and a bustling economy.

The Nash County Cooperative Extension office is located at the Nash County Agriculture Center and is home to the Nash County Arboretum. Nash County Arboretum is made up of 11 garden areas and has been creatively designed, planted and maintained by NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Nash County Public Schools is the public education system serving the students of Nash County, North Carolina, with a commitment to academic achievement and student well-being.

Nash County has a long history of agriculture and is known as a leading agricultural county in the state. Nash has 133,252 acres of land in farms with 375 farms with the average farm size being 355 acres. Today, Nash County's top agricultural products are poultry, eggs, tobacco, and sweet potatoes.

Nash has seen huge investment in its infrastructure and facilities over the last couple of decades. As a result, its agricultural community is seeing growth in outdoor recreation, breweries, tournament sports and is becoming a hub for the arts and culture. Local attractions include children's museums, planetarium, historic sites, unique shopping experiences and an array of recreational activities.

To learn more about the NCCE Nash County Center go to https://nash.ces.ncsu.edu/

For more information on Nash County, you may visit their website at

Duties and Responsibilities
The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Nash County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional youth development program, meeting the relevant needs of all youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive life-skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live and give them access to high quality, experiential programming to build life skills. The Extension 4-H agent shall:

This position will be responsible for supervising the overall 4-H program, which includes establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs within Nash County, recruiting and training

volunteers, and ensuring that 4-H programs follow all 4-H and Extension procedures.

Responsibilities may include supervision of program staff and management of programs funded through grants and fees. As a member of the Nash County staff, the individual in this position will recognize the importance of teamwork and fully support the total Extension program. Additional duties as assigned by the County Extension Director may be required.

Volunteer recruitment and training experience and grant development skills will be necessary. The applicant must be self-directed, possess a strong work ethic, and have excellent customer service skills.

The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic The Extension Agent and must be willing to travel for trainings and programs as well as work overnight and or weekend for events and or trips.

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 child or youth development 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 child or youth development or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.

A Bachelor's degree in child or youth development, family and consumer sciences, or a related discipline is required.

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 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 Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension 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.

The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic.

Volunteer recruitment and development experience and program development skills will be necessary.

A related Master's degree is preferred.

Experience in grant writing and management 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 employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

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.