Extension Agent, Ag, Field Crops and Dairy (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

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.

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.

Primary Purpose of Position
The agent in this position will provide leadership for field crops and dairy programs in Iredell County and proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the program.

The County Extension Agent is a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. This position provides leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county population in the following areas of responsibility: field crops (corn, small grains, cotton, and soybeans), pesticide education, and dairy producer education. This position will serve as the county pesticide coordinator and assist with educational training opportunities for private operators to obtain and maintain their licenses. The agent will be expected to develop specific educational programs and to collaborate with other Extension staff, agencies, groups, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

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. Iredell County is located in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, just north of Charlotte and bordering Lake Norman, and has a population of approximately 206,000. Agriculture has a significant economic impact on the County, generating an estimated $662 million annually, including over $165 million in cash gate receipts from more than 1,055 farms. Iredell County is the leading county in the state for dairy production and ranks first in all cattle (both beef and dairy) and first in corn silage production, making it a hub for dairy and livestock operations in North Carolina. Field crops including soybeans, wheat, and corn are also widely grown throughout the county, supporting the local dairy and beef cattle industries as well as regional grain markets. Other agricultural commodities include hay (fifth in the state), poultry, cotton, viniferous grapes, strawberries, and nursery and ornamental plant production. With close proximity to Charlotte and Lake Norman, there is a large and growing suburban presence in the southern half of the county, creating unique challenges and opportunities for preserving working farmland alongside nearby quality of life amenities not usually found in a rural area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The person selected for this position will be responsible for educational programming and technical assistance related to all phases of field crop production and pesticide education. The person selected will also be expected to conduct on-farm research work in the areas of corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat production. In addition, the person selected for this role will be responsible for educational programing and technical assistance related to dairy production, animal waste operator certifications, and youth dairy programing.

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The person selected for this position will be responsible for educational programming and technical assistance related to all phases of field crop production and pesticide education. The person selected will also be expected to conduct on-farm research work in the areas of corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat production. In addition, the person selected for this role will be responsible for educational programing and technical assistance related to dairy production, animal waste operator certifications, and youth dairy programing

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with Extension staff on integrated programming, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, and be flexible and adaptive to a dynamic working environment.

This person should be able to:

Build and develop relationships with local agricultural producers, private industry stakeholders, and local volunteer organizations.

Develop and maintain organized Agriculture programs that follow North Carolina Cooperative Extension policies, and guidelines.

Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the Agriculture program and services on a regular basis.

Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies and community organizations to meet the needs of the Agriculture program.

Network with neighboring Agents, University Specialists, and local Ag Producers to plan and implement innovative research test plots and educational field days, as well as the ability to report findings for publication.

Promote Agriculture within the community.

Other duties as assigned.

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.

Travel within the county is required. Some travel within the state and district is required.

A bachelor's degree in the area of agronomy or related area of science is preferred. Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking, and resource development are also essential.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NCDL 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.