Extension Agent - ANR Madison County

Description:

The Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources ( ANR ) in Madison County is responsible for planning, executing and evaluating effective and comprehensive educational programs and training designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources confronting small-scale, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers.

Aligned with the mission and vision of the Cooperative Extension Program at NC A&T, programs address high priority needs and issues for farming populations impacted by changing social, economic and demographic factors.

The Extension Agent is responsible for conducting educational programs and farm demonstrations in alternative agricultural enterprises, safe pesticide management, and Good Agriculture Practices ( GAP ) for the target audience.

Specific projects will include facilitating and coordinating direct marketing through tailgate markets, collaboration with a local agri-business support center, agri-tourism enterprise development, and assisting with the production of specialty crops on small farms.

The Extension Agent organizes, communicates, and delivers course materials in formal and informal instructional settings; collaborates with county and community based organizations to deliver programs and recruit program participants; determines program needs and priorities by conducting needs assessments; and evaluates data collected from multiple sources including advisory committee members, county residents and program participants.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas - Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development.
Together with its partners - North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed.
In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Rural and primarily agrarian, Madison County has over 1000 active small and medium size farms.
The farming profile is transitioning from a century long history of wholesale production to a direct market This fundamental change increases the need for education on marketing, distribution, packaging and food safety as well as a campaign to educate the local consumer.
The Madison County Extension Center focuses on the following agricultural objectives -profitable and sustainable agriculture systems; local food systems; and safety and security of food and farm systems.
Madison County Extension is home to an "inspected" value added kitchen in which the Extension Agent conducts workshops food safety, kitchen policies and procedures, and NCDA regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

- Master's degree from an accredited university in agricultural education, extension education, agricultural science, horticulture, or a related field is required; or a bachelor's degree in these or related fields in addition to work experience in Extension or working/teaching in diverse communities, with an understanding that a Master's degree will be pursued.

- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

- Ability to work and interact with diverse populations.

- Skills in leadership, communication, networking, budgeting and public relations.

- Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)

- Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

- Valid Driver's license and personal transportation.

- Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

- Must be able to lift and carry training supplies and equipment needed for farm demonstrations and workshops.

Preferred:

Master's degree in agricultural education, extension education, plant and soil science, horticulture, or a related field and two or more years of experience with horticulture crop production or plant production systems (including, but not limited to, soil, water, crop and pest management).

- Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities.

- Experience working effectively as a team member.

- Ability to manage time and resources.

Special Instructions:

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form.
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks.
North Carolina A&T 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.
North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A&T State University permanent employees include the following and more:

+ Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees

+ Community Service Leave

+ Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC - Health Benefits

+ NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more

+ 12 Paid Holidays

+ Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )

+ Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457

+ Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )

+ Campus Recreation Center Discount

+ University Bookstore Discount

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.
N.C.
A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.