Extension Agent, Urban Ag, Horticulture

PG190676CE

SC-

NC Cooperative Extension

Charlotte, NC

NCCE Mecklenburg County

Extension Agent, Urban Ag, Horticulture

12 Month Recurring

Full-Time - Permanent

1.00

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

This position demands a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with an understanding of agriculture in an urban area. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for educational programming and technical assistance related to urban, small farms, and innovative producers, as well as commercial and consumer horticulture. This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs. A general knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices specific to an urban area is preferred.

Mecklenburg County is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 1,115,482, making Mecklenburg County the second-most populous county in North Carolina, and the first county in the Carolinas to surpass one million in population. Its county seat is Charlotte, the state's largest city.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County operates within the County Manager's Office and partners with a vast number of organizations to expand its programmatic efforts. For more information on Mecklenburg County, go to

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.

This position provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs in the county for consumer and commercial horticulture and urban agriculture. The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts, and to collaborate with coworkers, other agencies, groups, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on stewardship, profitability, and sustainability, utilizing best management practices based on research to include adoption of proven technology.

The successful candidate is expected to be an energetic team player who enjoys working with individuals as well as groups, is able to work with broad audiences, and has the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision. The successful candidate will possess a high degree of general agriculture subject matter competence, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Grant writing and project management experience is essential.

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Not Applicable

Monday - Friday- 8 AM - 5 PM Business Hours - Evenings and Weekends as required

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, crop science, agronomy, or a closely related field in the agriculture sciences is required.

The candidate must be able to network with broad audiences, customers, volunteers, Extension Specialists, and local Extension staff. The candidate must be able to develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs and provide leadership in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs and activities with measurable impacts.

Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district is required. Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

A Master's degree is preferred. It is the expectation that a Master's degree will be pursued.

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

Yes

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Yes

Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 Commensurate with experience.

No

08/13/2024

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 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 or .

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.