Position Overview

Primary Purpose of Position

This position serves as the Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant at the Small Farms Unit of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. In collaboration with Extension Specialists, this position assists in the management, implementation, and dissemination of research based educational programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Primary responsibilities include assisting with applied research and demonstrations related to testing various production methods and sustainable crop development; and conducting multiple field-staff and farmer trainings in sustainable crop production.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master’s degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master’s degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. N.C. A&T Extension provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in many of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For additional information, please visit (http://www.ncat.edu).

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Plant Sciences, Applied Horticulture, Agriculture or Extension Education in related field.
• Two or more years of experience with horticulture crop production and organic production systems.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds safely to manage farm demonstration equipment.
• Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation.
• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Applied Horticulture, Agriculture, or Extension Education in related field.
• Three or more years of work experience with horticulture crop production and organic production systems.
• Three or more years of experience working in an occupation directly related to the position requirements.
• Knowledge of agriculture, small family businesses, and farm machinery
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage time and resources

Required License or Certification

NC Driver’s License to operate state vehicles.