Extension Agent, Ag - Horticulture

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!

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 agent in this position will provide education and leadership for the Extension home and commercial horticultural programs in Catawba County. The agent will proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to determine program objectives.

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

Catawba County has a population of approximately 155,000 people with a growing county strategic plan to attract and retain young professionals. The Catawba County Agricultural Resource Center serves as the base of operations for staff and programming.

For more information about Catawba County visit: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities
The individual in this position must possess a high degree of horticulture, plant protection, and plant science knowledge and have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension horticultural education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele; is adept at going out into the county for on-site visits to engage targeted audiences; and, who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships. The person in this position should be versed in homeowner horticulture and gardening, turf and ornamentals, sustainable crop production systems, fruit and vegetable production, IPPM, and soil science. Secondly, this position is responsible for managing the Extension Master Gardener program which includes recruiting, training and oversight of Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Other tasks include the management of pesticide education as it pertains to the green industry, coordinating and assisting with youth horticulture programs and school gardens, being responsive to public inquiries relating to horticulture, developing innovative strategies for marketing, and evaluating educational impacts of the overall horticultural program.

The individual should be able to establish relationships with community groups to support community gardening. The candidate must be able to develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs and provide leadership for planning, marketing, and evaluating educational programs with measurable impacts.

The position will also involve collaborating with area Extension specialists, Local Foods Agent and other Extension agents to coordinate collaborative educational programs.

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. 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 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 Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and 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 horticulture related field is required.

The agent in this position must have technical competence in horticulture, turf and ornamentals, and be able to deliver educational programs.

Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and good computer skills.

Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district required. Travel is reimbursed according to State guidelines.

A Master's degree is preferred.

Work experience with commercial fruit and vegetables is preferred.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina 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. 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.

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.