Extension Agent, Ag (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

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!

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

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 an enthusiastic individual who possesses a blend of technical agricultural expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage with the local community. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for educational programming and informational assistance related to field crops, This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs.

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.

Tyrrell County is located in northeastern North Carolina along the southern shores of the Albemarle Sound. It is bordered by the Alligator River to the east, Washington County to the west, Hyde County to the south, and Dare, Currituck, and Chowan counties to the north and east. The county seat, Columbia, is a historic river port with deep ties to early colonial governance, fishing, and the lumber industry.

Known as North Carolina's least populous county, Tyrrell County offers a quiet, rural lifestyle surrounded by remarkable natural beauty. Its landscape is defined by wetlands, swamps, pocosins, and marshes, which have historically limited development and created a unique and protected environment for wildlife. The county is home to the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, an important habitat for black bears and migratory birds, as well as Lake Phelps, one of North Carolina's shallow Carolina bay lakes.

With a population of approximately 3,245 residents, Tyrrell County spans 597 total square miles, including about 391 square miles of land. Roughly 22% of the land area is used for farming, while the remaining acreage consists primarily of swamps, pocosin, and forestland. The county is well known for outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and water-based activities.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the local economy. Recent data indicates approximately 73 farms operating across more than 63,000 acres, with an average farm size of 873 acres. Major crops include potatoes, soybeans, wheat, and corn. Farming contributes an estimated 30% of the county's gross domestic product-the highest percentage in the Mid-Atlantic region-and generates approximately $61 million annually in total market value of agricultural products sold.

For information about Tyrrell County visit http://tyrrellcounty.org

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

Duties and Responsibilities

The person in this position must possess a high degree of general agriculture subject matter competence. They must also have excellent problem solving, public speaking, verbal and written communication, and effective teaching skills for in person and virtual educational programs. Additionally, the person in this position must have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension education program in the assigned areas. The agent will provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and promoting educational programs with measurable impacts in field crop production. They are expected to possess knowledge of alternative farm enterprises, business management, and pesticide education. Collaborating with staff, producers, university specialists, and advisory members, the agent will identify gaps between current and desired outcomes, prioritizing educational programs that meet the needs of Pasquotank County farmers.

The agent's programs should address both current and emerging issues in agricultural production, natural resource management, and challenges such as alternative farm enterprises, business management, and water quality. The candidate must develop innovative strategies for delivering educational content, both in-person and virtually, to farmers, youth, farm families, and relevant organizations and businesses. The position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs.

This individual must be self-directed, capable of managing multiple responsibilities and schedules while demonstrating strong oral and written communication skills. They should be comfortable working with broad audiences and be open to exploring grant writing and project management.

Proficiency in computer use, organizational skills, interpersonal communication, and networking are critical for success. The agent must also effectively disseminate information through mass media and be committed to supporting the broader Extension program in collaboration with other staff members.

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.

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

Previous Cooperative Extension and/or relevant experience 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 employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

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.