"Extension Agent, Ag - Field Crops (Assistant, Associate, or Full)"

Primary Purpose of Position
The agent in this position will provide leadership for field crops programs in Union County and proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the program.

The County Extension Agent is a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. This position provides leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county population in the following areas of responsibility: field crops (corn, small grains and soybeans) and pesticide education. This position will serve as the county pesticide coordinator and assist with educational training opportunities for private operators to obtain and maintain their licenses. The agent will be expected to develop specific educational programs and to collaborate with other Extension staff, agencies, groups, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

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. Union County is located in south-central North Carolina, bordering South Carolina, and has a population of approximately 235,000. Agriculture/agribusiness is the number two industry in the County generating over $500 million dollars in cash receipts annually. Field crops contributed over $70 million to the local economy last year. Union County is one of the top agriculture producing counties in the state, ranking third in total cash receipts. Union County is the leading county in the production of wheat and soybeans. Other major commodities include poultry, cattle, eggs, soybeans, corn and nursery and ornamental plant production. With close proximity to Charlotte, there is a large urban presence in the western half of the county providing nearby quality of life amenities not usually found in a rural area. For more information on Union County visit their website at www.unioncountync.gov.

Departmental Required Skills:
Travel within the county is required. Some travel within the state and district is required.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
A Bachelor's degree in the area of agronomy or related area of science is preferred. Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking, and resource development are also essential.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NCDL required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained

Position Number: SC-00002347-0226

Department: 117636 - South Central District- Union

Location: Monroe, NC