Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture

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 StateExtension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

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.

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!

The agent in this position will have educational responsibilities in both home and consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture program areas in Haywood County. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs focused on home and consumer horticulture for homeowners, including (but not limited to) best management practices needed in caring for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. The successful candidate must also be able to conduct educational programs focused on the profitability and sustainability of ornamental and nursery plant production, utilizing best practices and encouraging the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial practices. The successful candidate will also be responsible for training and supporting the Master Gardener program in Haywood County.

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 Haywood County for commercial and consumer horticulture. This position will have a 70% focus on commercial horticulture and a 30% focus on consumer horticulture/Master Gardener management.

This position will require the ability to provide homeowners with diagnosis and recommendations for plant disease, insect, and other abiotic disorders of home lawn, garden, orchard, or other landscape plants.

This position will also require the ability to assist with services related to plant/insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other support services to commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.

This position will be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervising, and managing of Haywood County Master Gardener volunteers during their contribution to Cooperative Extension programming in the county/state.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with co-workers, other agencies, groups, Master Gardener Volunteers, community volunteers, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the counties.

Expected to provide pesticide education in collaboration with the livestock agent to meet the needs of a variety of clientele

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 horticultural science or a related agricultural field is required.

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NC Driver's License.

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.

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