Extension Agent, Ag-Agricultural & Communication Marketing

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 the 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 and school bell. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

NC Cooperative Extension - Wayne County Center is seeking a qualified Extension Agent to join our team, dedicated to serving the agricultural community. This position will play a vital role in providing educational support and resources to local farms, agritourism enterprises, direct-to-consumer sales operations, commercial producers, and wholesale businesses in Wayne County.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in fostering a better understanding between the agricultural sector and the broader community, promoting effective communication between farmers, stakeholders, and the non-farming public. This role is ideal for a proactive professional with a passion for enhancing the relationship between agriculture and its consumers.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

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.

Agriculture remains vital to the economy of Wayne County. The total land in farms is 149,752 acres, with crop and livestock sales accounting for $530 million annually.

For more information about Wayne County, visit https://www.waynegov.com/.
To learn more about the NCCE Wayne County Center, go to https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Extension Agent is an employee of North Carolina State University, with primary responsibilities for planning, executing, and evaluating educational programs in agricultural marketing and advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of agricultural production, allowing them to effectively support the diverse agricultural needs of Wayne County.

Key responsibilities include delivering non-formal educational programs and educating consumers about agricultural products in the region. The agent will collaborate closely with stakeholder-based committees, such as the Agricultural Advisory Board, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Wayne County Travel & Tourism, and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, to ensure programs align with local needs.

In addition, the agent will lead efforts in farmland preservation (including Voluntary Agricultural Districts and Sentinel Landscapes), engage in community outreach and public relations through partnerships with the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair, military base, Grange, civic groups, municipalities, University of Mount Olive, and Wayne Community College. The agent will also provide leadership opportunities through agriculture programming and focus on marketing initiatives such as Visit NC Farms App, farmers markets, and effective use of social media, newspapers, TV, and radio.

Furthermore, the agent will support farm transitions and farm health, offering guidance on wills, trusts, mental health, and farm worker health, as well as fostering career development through FFA, 4-H, and collaboration with local colleges. The agent will also lead local engagement efforts, coordinating events to promote agricultural awareness and community collaboration in Wayne County.

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

A bachelor's degree in an agricultural related field is required. The agent in this position must have knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking and resource development.

Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and good computer skills.

Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district required. Travel is reimbursed according to State guidelines.

A Master's Degree is preferred.

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.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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.