Area Agent - Commercial Horticulture and 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. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension. No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job! 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 (and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Purpose of Position The area agent in this position will split educational responsibilities in both Stokes and Forsyth Counties in all phases of commercial horticulture, pesticide certification, and field crops (tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat) for a two-county area. The position is housed in Forsyth County. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina commercial horticulture (landscapers, nursery growers, and horticultural crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, etc.), pesticide certification, and field crops, utilizing best practices based on research to include the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for research development in these program areas. This position will coordinate with NCDA&CS, serving as the pesticide coordinator. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Forsyth County is located in the northwest Piedmont in North Carolina. It is the fourth most populous county in the state celebrating its urban and rural roots with a population of 382,590. According to N.C. Agricultural Statistics, Forsyth County is home to 900 producers on 35,000 acres. Winston-Salem is the county seat and is known as the city of Arts and Innovation. Home to Kaleideum Children's Museum, Tanglewood Park, Old Salem, Bethabara Park and Gardens, numerous Farmers Markets, Live Music and Film Festivals and so much more. Stokes County, located in Northcentral North Carolina, is nestled among the Sauratown Mountains. Home to Hanging Rock State Park and the Dan River, Stokes County offers both natural beauty and many recreational opportunities. Stokes County Agricultural Industry includes 856 farms on 92,904 acres. For more information, please visit: and ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Duties and Responsibilities The area agent in this position will have educational responsibilities in all phases of commercial horticulture, pesticide certification, and field crops (tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat) for a two-county area. The position is housed in Forsyth County. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina commercial horticulture, pesticide certification, and field crops, utilizing best practices based on research to include the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for research development in these program areas. This position will coordinate with NCDA&CS, serving as the pesticide coordinator. Other Work/Responsibilities The area agent provides agricultural producers with research-based information on production, technology, and economics for various crops and assists with problem-solving on production issues. The agent will be expected to develop, market, and teach educational programs with measurable impacts and collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to effectively reach intended audiences throughout the two-county area. As it relates to commercial horticulture, this position will address the needs and learning behaviors of beginning and small-scale horticultural professionals as follows: * assist both established agricultural producers and beginning farmers in developing market-driven, systems-integrated, and sustainable specialty crop and/or alternative enterprises that are appropriate for commercial horticulture and farm operations * develop, coordinate, and deliver integrated educational programming that assists agricultural producers, stakeholders, and other parties interested in commercial horticulture security issues in building capacity and infrastructure. The area agent will : * Hold yearly pesticide education classes and exams * Report monthly on educational contacts and program impacts * Have an understanding of grants, grant writing, and reporting. Supervisory Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises N/A Percent of Time Spent N/A Requirements and Preferences Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable Work Schedule 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday; evenings and weekends as required 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. Department Required Skills A bachelor's degree in crop science, horticulture, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required. Travel within the two-county area is required. Occasional travel outside the district is also required. 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. Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education Extension or other professional experience, including a high level of computer competency, is desired. A Master's degree is preferred. Required License or Certification n/a Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? No Physical Required? No List any other medical/drug tests required Recruitment

Created: 2025-02-14