Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

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.

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!
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Primary Purpose of Position

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

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: livestock production, forage production, pasture management, animal nutrition, and animal waste management systems. Beef cattle will be the primary species of focus, and the position will provide leadership to the Davidson County Cattlemen's Association. The position also supports and assists the 4-H agent with youth livestock education programs, shows, and related events. In addition, the position will provide leadership and supervision of livestock shows held during the annual Davidson County fair.

The position will represent Cooperative Extension by serving as an advisor to the Voluntary Agriculture District ( VAD) board. This will include keeping the VAD ordnance for Davidson County current and in line with the State of NC ordnance, and following the proper channels to make changes to the ordnance official.

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 target audiences, and who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

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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 residents.

The Livestock Agent will serve Davidson County, a county that is considered urban by its population, exceeding 165,000 residents, but functions as a rural county. Beyond the highway corridors and cities, you will find 73,655 acres of farmland. The latest USDA Ag Census in 2022 documents Davidson County, NC's production of $74,454,000 in annual agricultural products sold, with 79.7% of the sales coming from animal products.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player with the Davidson 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:

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The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural community, cattle producers, small ruminant producers, animal protein producers, equine enthusiasts, etc., and potential new farmers. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock poultry production and biosecurity education, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing extension leadership to the 4-H & youth livestock program in Davidson County. The Livestock Agent will work closely with the County Cattlemen's Association and partner 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.

This position will work with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational pesticide training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to maintain their licenses.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout 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 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.

A bachelor's degree in animal science, crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.

Experience working with a wide variety of livestock.

Travel within the county and occasional travel outside the county/district is also required.

A Master's degree is 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 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.

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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