Area Natural Resources 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.

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 leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of an effective non-formal educational program to meet the needs of the citizens of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties in the following areas that may include: Natural Resources and the Environment, Water Quality, Storm Water Management, Water Conservation, Low Impact Development, Dune and Beach Protection and Restoration. As these Counties transition to a more urban population, demand for educational programming in environmental areas increases along with the added stress on resources.

The agent will work with local governments, citizens groups, educational institutions, homeowners and developers and other related organizations that share an interest in conserving and protecting area resources and promoting green infrastructure. There are multiple properties in the area that are owned by the NC Agricultural Foundation and available for environmental research and educational programming.

Educational programs will primarily serve adult audiences but some programming efforts will target 4-H and youth development. Brunswick County will be the assigned and primary duty station with responsibility for addressing needs in all three Counties; shared office space and educational facilities are available in New Hanover and Pender County Extension Centers.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives citizens 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, please see www.ces.ncsu.edu

About Brunswick County: Brunswick County has been one of the fastest growing counties in the United States with over 105,000 residents representing a diverse group of people.

Its more than 30 miles of prestigious south-facing Atlantic beaches and comfortable climate remains a vacation and retirement destination and tourists continue to flock to Brunswick County even during relatively challenging economic times. In addition to the beaches, Brunswick County is home to wetlands, tidal creeks, and other natural features including the Green Swamp - home to carnivorous plants, orchids and other unique species. For more information on life in Brunswick County visit www.brunswickcountychamber.org.

About New Hanover County: Once the stomping grounds of notorious pirate Edward Teach - better known as Blackbeard

• New Hanover County was formed in 1729. Named in honor of the royal family of England then in power - members of the House of Hanover - its land area of almost 200 square miles makes it the second smallest of North Carolina's 100 counties.
  
  New Hanover County is home to almost 203,000 persons, a 26% increase since 2000. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, New Hanover County is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. For more information about New Hanover County, visit www.wilmingtonchamber.org.

About Pender County: Pender County was established in 1875.

The county seat, Burgaw, combines the old and the new that typifies this Southern county. New, contemporary homes and buildings are juxtaposed with 18th and 19th century architecture. The terrain in Pender County is basically flat and the soil has proven ideal for the county's primary food crop, blueberries.

Pender County includes Topsail Island, one of North Carolina's prized beaches. In addition, it includes miles of Intracoastal and inland waterways, such as the Cape Fear River, which has played an important role in the development of the county since the American Revolution, and the Black River, one of only two rivers in the nation considered pollution-free. For more information about Pender County, visit https://www.pendercountync.gov/

Other Work/Responsibilities

The agent will be expected to develop specific educational programs and collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the counties.

The agent must be energetic, enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with broad audiences, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision

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The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Extension staff, volunteers, 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

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The agent must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on important environmental issues and concerns in the three counties with an emphasis on adoption of research based best management practices, proven technology, business, and financial management practices.

The successful candidate will be responsible for resource development in the assigned program areas.

This position will require a person to be flexible and possibly work some weekends or hours outside of the normal 8am-5pm schedule.

Supervisory

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises 0 Percent of Time Spent 0

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, occasional evenings and weekends Minimum Experience/Education

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.

Department Required Skills

Travel within district and counties is required.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Systems Management, or related field is required.

A Master's degree is preferred in Agricultural and Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Systems Management, or related field.

Experience conducting educational programming.

Required License or Certification

Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required and must be maintained. In order to operate a state vehicle, a valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes Commercial Driver's License Required?

No Physical Required?

No List any other medical/drug tests required

Recruitment