"Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences"

Primary Purpose of Position

The agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and marketing of an effective educational program in family and consumer sciences, including the areas of foods, nutrition, and health.

The agent will collaborate and network with other agencies, groups, and organizations with similar missions. Additional responsibilities will include recruiting and training Extension Master Food Volunteers providing leadership supervision and assistance as needed. The professional in this position must be energetic, enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with broad audiences, and have the ability to multi-task with little supervision.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The professional in this position provides leadership to educational programs focused on improving health through nutrition food programs including commercial and retail food safety and certification, food preservation, processing and value-added products. The successful candidate will have the ability to identify opportunities for providing assistance to community partners in areas of improving and supporting healthy eating and physical activity. Knowledge of food preparation that encourages good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with Extension staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently. The individual should be comfortable speaking/making presentations to groups.

Essential job duties include:

• Coordinate with collaborating agents and other agencies to plan and implement programs. Facilitate the collection of appropriate demographic and evaluation data using specified tools.
• Purchase and prepare food and supplies for program-specific taste tests. Track and spend within provided budgets for each program.
• Participate in training. Travel within assigned counties and to state offices.
• Track and maintain program-related paperwork such as data, inventory, and other documentation.

Departmental Required Skills

The person in this position must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic. The successful candidate should be energetic, innovative, and a good manager of time and other resources. Organizational, interpersonal, marketing, and networking skills are desirable. Other skills needed include knowledge and experience in educational presentations, public relations and marketing, print media, leadership, and computer usage. The ability to evaluate programs and document contacts and impacts is essential. This position is responsible for the development, recruitment, implementation and evaluation of the entire FCS program.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education

A Master's degree at time of hiring is desirable, with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences, nutrition or related sciences. The expectation is that a Master's degree will be pursued after hiring. Grantsmanship skills and experience with the ability to secure and manage outside funding resources in order to develop innovative programming is desired.

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.