"Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Franklin County"

Job Description

This position is housed in Franklin County, Virginia, the Commonwealth's fourth highest dairy producing county. Franklin County was founded in 1785, and the town of Rocky Mount serves as the county seat. The county has a rich agricultural heritage and tradition. Local attractions include Booker T. Washington National Monument, Ferrum College, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Crooked Road Music Trail, Smith Mountain Lake, and abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. For more information on Franklin County visit: http://www.visitfranklincountyva.org/.

The position requires basic knowledge of animal nutrition, health, animal care; production and financial management; marketing; and biotechnology developments. Provides dairy management expertise and is responsible for developing dairy educational programs to enhance sustainability of Virginia's dairy industry in a multicounty area. Maintains a level of expertise that compliments the dairy industry mission and goals.

Agents provide current research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; works closely with producers, agribusiness, 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.

Extension agents recognize the importance of developing and delivering Extension programs that serve a broad range of communities, actively working to expand program participation and adhering to VCE's civil rights policies to ensure compliance with state and federal law. The person in the 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.

Required Qualifications

Must have 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; excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to work effectively with all audiences; ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree and commercial agriculture experience preferred;

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$45,000 - $65,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 31, 2025

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.