Extension Agent, Ag-Field Crops

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.

This position demands a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with an understanding of all types of commercial agricultural operations . Responsibilities will include the development of educational programs in the production of all agronomic crops and related agricultural issues facing the producers and residents of Wake County. The position will also be responsible for pesticide education and pesticide certification programs.

Some educational programming may be required for animal species including beef, swine, sheep, and horses. This position is unique in that the individual will work with farmers in an urban environment, and alongside Wake County's internal Agricultural and Natural Resources team to support small growers who are essential to our Regional Food System.

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 citizens.

Wake County is located in central North Carolina and in 2022 reported a population over 1.2 million residents. Wake County is home to Raleigh, the state capital, as well as 12 other smaller municipalities, and N.C.

State University. The county includes both urban and rural areas with a growing local foods interest. Wake County has 532,415 acres with 77,008 acres in farms. The popularity of North Carolina products is encouraging to traditional agriculture as well as fueling new agricultural operations.

There are 664 farms with the average farm being 111 acres. Soybeans, wheat, hay and tobacco are the primary crops currently being grown in Wake County. Cash receipts and government payments for the agriculture industry are over $56 million.

For more information about Wake County see https://www.wake.gov/

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

Other Work/Responsibilities

The agent will be responsible for providing leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating and marketing educational programs and activities with measurable impacts in the areas of field crop production and pesticide education. Programs address current and future agricultural production, natural resource issues, challenges including alternative farm enterprises, business management, and water quality.

The candidate must be able to develop innovative strategies for presenting both in person and virtual educational programs to farmers, youth, farm families, and related organizations and businesses.

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- 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM Business Hours

• Evenings and Weekends as needed. 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 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.

Department Required Skills

A Bachelor's degree in crop science, agronomy or closely related field is required.

Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district is required.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

A Master's degree is preferred.

Extension or other professional experience is desired.

Required License or Certification

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. In order to operate a state vehicle, a valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire 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