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

Surry County Cooperative Extension is seeking an Agriculture - Livestock and Forages Agent to help local producers access research-based information, educational resources, and practical solutions that support the success of agriculture in Surry County.

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, pond management, and leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program.

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.

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

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 a 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 or school bell.

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 Surry County, a county anchored by rural farming communities and a mix of crop, livestock, and poultry production. Surry County has close to 71,500 residents encompassing roughly 105,791 acres, with an average farm size of approximately 113 acres. The county produces a variety of crops and maintains livestock and poultry operations, including 7.8 million layer chickens. Surry County is the 8th-largest producer of beef cows and the 5th-largest producer of sheep, goats, wool, mohair, and milk in North Carolina.

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Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

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

The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural community, ranging from contract poultry growers, beef producers, sheep producers, and goat producers to crop-livestock mixed farms 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 in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program in Surry County. The Livestock Agent will work closely with the local 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.

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