Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Henrico County

Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Henrico County

Company:
Virginia Tech

Job Location:
Blacksburg, 24061

Category:
Extension and Outreach

Type:
Full-Time

Job Description

Henrico County is located in the central portion of Virginia and is bordered south/southeast of the City of Richmond. The total population according to the 2010 Census was 306,935. In 2012, there were 124,000 households in Henrico County and the average household size was 2.5 people. Henrico County nursery and greenhouse products accounted for $3.6 million or 39% of total crop receipts, ranking them as among the top three sources of agricultural income in the county this is according to the 2012 Census.

This position requires basic knowledge of horticulture, including crop production; integrated pest management and plant diagnostics, plant physiology, pathology, weed science, pesticide management; and economics and marketing. The position also requires basic knowledge of environmental issues, fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, as well as soils, water, nutrient, and greenhouse management.

Agents must determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees; develop and deliver objective and research based educational programs to meet the needs of target audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources; inform clientele of program activities; use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, one on one visits, on farm demonstrations, field trips and tours; maintain knowledge of current research information, use computer applications; develop and implement evaluation plans; recruit, train and utilize volunteers enabling them to plan, conduct, evaluate and report educational activities; provide educational leadership and informational assistance to producers, industry, Master Gardener volunteers, and homeowners relative to the horticultural needs of the counties, and report results to clientele, public and administration.

Extension Agents recognize the importance of all communities and broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Extension Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance.

Required Qualifications

Agent faculty positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment. Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers; demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs; knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills; excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with broad audiences; ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and a strong desire to help clients succeed. Extension agents recognize the importance of all communities and broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Extension Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance. The person in this position is expected to travel to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree is preferred.

Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Restricted

Salary Information
$50,000 - $65,000

Hours per week
Varies

Close Date
May 8, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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