"Assistant Extension Agent, Ag-Horticulture"

Assistant Extension Agent, Ag-Horticulture

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location: Elizabethtown, NC

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

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Position Number: SE-000002315-1025

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. Our mission is to partner with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.

Bladen County is located in Southeastern North Carolina and has a population of approximately 30,000. Bladen County is the 4th largest county in the state in area and is located approximately 100 miles from Raleigh and 45 miles from Wilmington and the Atlantic Ocean. Life in Bladen provides a rich neighborly atmosphere with a leisurely lifestyle but at the same time provides easy access to more urban population centers. The agricultural sector of the Bladen County economy is strong and critical to the overall economy of the area. The county ranks 5th among NC counties in total farm cash receipts and in cash receipts from livestock. The Extension staff is a high performing team with close connections to the people of Bladen County, especially as it relates to the core Extension program areas of agriculture, food, and 4-H youth development.

For more Information about Bladen County, visit http://www.bladennc.govoffice3.com/

Travel is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The agent will be responsible for educational programming and informational assistance related to consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture including vegetable, fruit, and nut production as well as ornamentals and turf.
• Additional responsibilities include recruiting and training volunteers to assist with programs, Local Foods Coordinator, pond management, and developing and coordinating youth horticultural programs.
• The position demands an individual with an understanding of horticulture programming needs.
• The successful candidate must plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs related to horticulture, turf/turf management, pond management, and local foods and other areas as identified by advisory members and other stakeholders.
• The person in this position must possess a solid degree of horticulture subject matter competence.
• Candidate must be able to recruit, train, and incorporate volunteers into programming efforts.
• Collaboration with other government agencies, public and private non-profits and corporations is expected.
• This person must enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with varied audiences, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision.
• The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Extension staff and other organizations and have the ability to work independently.
• The pursuit of outside resources such as grants and donations will be necessary to support program expansion.
• This role requires a skilled communicator with problem-solving abilities and proven experience in developing and presenting educational materials.
• Candidates must be effective teachers and public speakers, comfortable delivering content in-person, virtually, and through various written formats, including web and social media.

Departmental Required Skills:

• Knowledge and experience in communications, presentations, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking, and resource development

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• A related Master's degree

Necessary Licenses or Certifications: Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required and must be maintained. In order to operate a state vehicle, a valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.

AA/EOE Statement: 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.

Department: 117821 - Southeast District - Bladen

Location: Elizabethtown, NC