Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources

Job Description

The Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs which are designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources. The agent is an educator, an information provider, a needs assessor, a problem solving resource for clientele, and networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, Extension agents and agency representatives. This position is housed in Accomack County, Virginia. Local attractions include numerous cultural and historical sites and abundant hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities. Accomack County offers a compelling blend of history, natural beauty, culture and economic opportunity. The VCE Accomack ANR Extension agent will emphasize the following areas. Develop new markets, educate producers about the potential for new markets, and connect growers with markets. Assist producers with understanding the forces that create opportunities for collaborative marketing efforts. Increase producer development of value added agricultural products. Increase producer understanding and potential adoption of specialized product opportunities such as aquaculture, viticulture, small fruit production, and others as identified. Collaborate on the development and expansion of agritourism enterprises, sustainable agriculture and events promoting agriculture. Develop and expand web based marketing efforts. Partner with and provide technical assistance to various producer organizations. Pursue and collaborate on grant applications such as the Governor's Agriculture and Forest Industries Development Fund, Governor's Innovation Program, and Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, among others. Collaborate with county, state, and federal departments and agencies to support the goals of agricultural producers. Work closely with County Economic Development, Extension Leadership Council, and stakeholders to insure responsiveness to evolving issues and needs as identified. This position provides research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; works closely with producers, agribusinesses, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific local needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in in service training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters.

Individuals with a bachelor's degree will be hired at the Associate Extension Agent title level. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

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; strong desire to help clients succeed. 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.