Extension Agent, Ag - Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

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.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

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

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Primary Purpose of Position

The agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation, and marketing of an effective educational program in Consumer Horticulture in Forsyth County. Responsibilities include implementing and managing a large Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program and serving as Director of the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park. The agent will proactively conduct needs assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the program. This position will also assist consumers with questions regarding lawns, gardens, and landscaping plants.

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 residents.

Forsyth County is located in the Triad Region of North Carolina in the North Central Extension District. For more information about Forsyth County, visit the County website at https://www.forsyth.cc/ces/ and the Cooperative Extension website at forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu.

Duties and Responsibilities

The agent is responsible for the Consumer Horticulture program area:

* Assess Consumer Horticulture program needs.

* Respond in a timely manner to Consumer Horticulture phone calls, texts, emails, face-to-face office visits, and other requests.

* Manage a Consumer Horticulture program advisory committee that will help identify programmatic needs, support programmatic efforts, and advocate for Extension in the local community.

* Develop and maintain relationships with community groups and stakeholders to support and promote the Consumer Horticulture program.

* Update with Consumer Horticulture information on the Forsyth County Website, Facebook, and other social media.

* Direct staff and volunteer efforts at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park, including maintenance and educational activities in the Arboretum.

* Raise funds in support of the Consumer Horticulture Program and the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park.

* Participate in collaborative office teams and committees as assigned or as needed.

* Attend all required or assigned state and county training to keep professional skills current.

The agent is responsible for the Extension Master Gardener ( EMG) volunteer program, providing direction, guidance, training, and administrative support to the volunteers. The following is a partial list of the agent's responsibilities:

* Manage a comprehensive volunteer program, including recruitment, selection, training, selection of volunteer activities, evaluation, data collection and reporting, and volunteer recognition activities.

* Determine volunteer service projects and opportunities based upon local needs and issues.

Other Responsibilities include:

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.

A bachelor's degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, agroecology, or a related agricultural field is required.

Travel within the district and occasional travel outside the district is also required.

The candidate selected for this position shall possess a high degree of subject-matter competence, the ability to work independently and handle multiple demands, and the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.

The candidate must be able to network with diverse audiences, customers, volunteers, Extension specialists, and local Extension staff.

The candidate must be a team player and support the total Extension program, possess strong oral and written communication skills, possess appropriate computer skills, and be willing to actively seek outside resources to enhance the program.

The candidate must be able to develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs and provide leadership in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs and activities with measurable impacts.

A Master's degree is preferred. Extension or other professional experience is desired.

Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers; strong home landscaping background including pesticide recertification needs of our green industry; willingness to work as part of a team; strong written and verbal communication skills; and good computer skills.

Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities.
- Experience working effectively as a team member.
- Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.
- Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.
- Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.
- Experience in horticulture

Relevant Points to Consider:
- The individual in this position often works night and weekend hours outside of the normal workday. To help manage the personal/professional continuum, professional scheduling is available.
- A key responsibility of this position is managing volunteers who may be considerably older or younger than the agent.

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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.