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Position Number: SC-00112326-0926
Primary Function of Organizational Unit:
Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are a model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom or school bell.
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 residents.
Mecklenburg County is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina. According to the Office of State Budget and Management, the 2025 population was 1,219,208, making Mecklenburg County the second-most populous county in North Carolina. Its county seat is Charlotte, the state's largest city.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County operates within the County Manager's Office and partners with a vast number of organizations to expand its programmatic efforts.
For more information on Mecklenburg County, go to www.mecknc.gov/
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties:
North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) in Mecklenburg County is seeking a Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Agent to provide dynamic leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective educational programs to meet the needs for commercial and consumer horticulture and urban agriculture, including small farms. This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs. A general knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices specific to an urban area is preferred.
The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.
As a key member of the Extension office in Mecklenburg County, the agent will develop and market impactful educational programs. This role requires a high degree of self-direction, project management expertise, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, and agency partners. Working with a team, the agent will lead the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.
The position will have a 75% focus on commercial horticulture and urban agriculture and a 25% focus on consumer horticulture/Master Gardener management.
Departmental Required Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or a closely related field.
- Ability to travel within the district as required.
- Ability to travel outside the district occasionally.
- Self-directed and able to manage multiple responsibilities, priorities, and schedules.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate and work with broad audiences.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong computer skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to develop and maintain professional networks and collaborative relationships.
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
- A master's degree
- Previous Cooperative Extension and/or relevant experience
Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire 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.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Department: 117627 - South Central District - Mecklenburg
Location: Charlotte, NC