Area Agent, Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full)

Area Agent, Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full)

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

Position Number: NE-00111969-0326

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Essential Job Duties:

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 and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The Area Extension Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Edgecombe, Halifax and Northampton Counties. The agent in this position must have technical competence in both consumer and commercial horticulture and in the delivery of non-formal education programs, the identification of plants, pests and diagnosis of plant problems, assist with pesticide education, aquatic weed management, develop and work with stakeholder-based committees that provide direction for Extension programs; work with community organizations to effectively link Extension with local resources and clients; and effectively recruit, train, and manage Extension Master Gardener volunteers to expand outreach efforts. Other duties will include overseeing the Roanoke Valley Farmers Market, working with the Halifax/Northampton Beekeepers Association and other duties as assigned.

This position will be based in either Edgecombe, Halifax or Northampton 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.

[Details on Edgecombe, Halifax, and Northampton Counties omitted for brevity, but include links: Ag Data, Edgecombe, NCCE Edgecombe, etc.]

Duties and Responsibilities

The applicant will be responsible for working with homeowners, community groups, commercial horticultural crop producers, professional landscape and turf professionals, and others to increase their knowledge of horticultural issues and implementation of best management practices.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with recruiting and training new Master Gardeners, pesticide education as it pertains to horticulture and the green industry, and developing and coordinating youth horticulture programs. Responsibilities also include commercial horticulture production including educational programs in fruit and vegetable production, sweet potatoes, nursery and greenhouse production, turfgrass management, beekeeping, pond weeds and forestry.

The applicant must be self-directed, have effective oral and written communication skills, and be willing to work with broad audiences. Grant writing and project management experience is essential. Computer, organization, interpersonal and networking skills are crucial for success. Ability to effectively deliver information via mass media including television, radio and social media is expected. Candidates must be willing to work with the staff to support the entire Extension program.

Departmental Required Skills:

A Bachelor's degree in Horticultural Science or an area related to the agent's assigned responsibilities is required.

Some travel within the district and state is required. Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

A Master's degree at time of hiring is desirable. The expectation is that a Master's degree will be pursued after hiring.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Department: 117736 - Northeast District - Halifax

Location: Halifax, NC