Area Agent, Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full)

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.

No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

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:

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.

The Area Extension Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Edgecombe, Halifax and Northampton Counties. The agent in this position must have technical competence in both consumer and commercial horticulture and in the delivery of non-formal education programs, the identification of plants, pests and diagnosis of plant problems, assist with pesticide education, aquatic weed management, develop and work with stakeholder- based committees that provide direction for Extension programs; work with community organizations to effectively link Extension with local resources and clients; and effectively recruit, train, and manage Extension Master Gardener volunteers to expand outreach efforts. Other duties will include overseeing the Roanoke Valley Farmers Market, working with the Halifax/Northampton Beekeepers Association and other duties as assigned.

This position will be based in either Edgecombe, Halifax or Northampton County.

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.

Edgecombe County covers 505 square miles of prime agricultural land in the Upper Coastal Plans in northeastern North Carolina. Edgecombe County is located approximately 75 miles from our State Capital, Raleigh, NC. Edgecombe County is home to 243 farms with 145,050 acres of harvested cropland. Edgecombe County ranks fifth in crop receipts and twenty-fifth in the state for livestock, poultry and products . The county seat and home of the Extension County Extension Center is Tarboro. It was named after the Tar River that borders the town on two sides. The largest town is Rocky Mount, which encompasses parts of Edgecombe and Nash counties.

For more information about Ag Data, please visit

For more Information about Edgecombe County, visit

To learn more about the NCCE Edgecombe County Center, go to

Halifax County, NC is a historic, largely rural county in northeastern North Carolina (est. 1758) with a population of approximately 48,600, known for its location along the Roanoke River. As of 2023, the racial make-up of the county was 39% white, 51% African-American, 3.4% Native American, 3.2% Hispanic, and 3.4% other. Centered on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, it features key towns like Roanoke Rapids and holds a significant place in NC history, known as the "Birthplace of Independence."

Agriculture contribution to the local economy was over $188 million and including forestry products of more than $29 million.

For information about Halifax County visit https://www.halifaxnc.com/ To learn more about the NCCE Halifax County Center go to https://halifax.ces.ncsu.edu/

Northampton County is located in the Roanoke River and Chowan River Basins and encompasses an area of approximately 537 square miles. Northampton County has a strong agricultural and timber production base. The county ranked 35th among the 100 North Carolina counties with a 2022 agriculture income of $170,031,000. The 2024 county income generated from all forest products ranked eleventh in the state and totaled $22,834,696. As of the 2024 census, there were 16,580 people in the county with a racial make-up of 41.4% white, 55.4% African-American and 2.7% Hispanic.

For information about Northampton County visit https://www.northamptonnc.com/

To learn more about the NCCE Northampton County Center go to

https://northampton.ces.ncsu.edu/

Duties and Responsibilities

The applicant will be responsible for working with homeowners, community groups, commercial horticultural crop producers, professional landscape and turf professionals, and others to increase their knowledge of horticultural issues and implementation of best management practices.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with recruiting and training new Master Gardeners, pesticide education as it pertains to horticulture and the green industry, and developing and coordinating youth horticulture programs. Responsibilities also include commercial horticulture production including educational programs in fruit and vegetable production, sweet potatoes, nursery and greenhouse production, turfgrass management, beekeeping, pond weeds and forestry.

The applicant must be self-directed, have effective oral and written communication skills, and be willing to work with broad audiences. Grant writing and project management experience is essential. Computer, organization, interpersonal and networking skills are crucial for success. Ability to effectively deliver information via mass media including television, radio and social media is expected. Candidates must be willing to work with the staff to support the entire Extension program.

The professional in this position must be energetic, enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with diverse audiences, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision. He/she must possess a high degree of subject matter competence, have the ability to work independently and as a team member and develop subject-matter related 4-H programming. Frequent travel within three counties and occasional travel outside these counties using personal vehicle is required.

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 the job 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 the job related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in the job related field.

A Bachelor's degree in Horticultural Science or an area related to the agent's assigned responsibilities is required.

Some travel within the district and state is required . Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

A Master's degree at time of hiring is desirable. The expectation is that a Master's degree will be pursued after hiring.

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

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.

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