Decatur County Ag & Natural Resources Agent

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Decatur County Ag & Natural Resources Agent in the CAES Southwest District to provide educational programming in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources to diverse audiences using multiple teaching methods.

This role involves frequent travel, some night meetings, and weekend work; a valid driver's license and access to a private vehicle are required. Collaboration with 4-H and other programs is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agriculture or related field required or preferred.
• Bachelor's degree acceptable for provisional appointment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and present to groups.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor and teacher for AG & Natural Resources to the local community.
• Develop relationships with farmers, landowners, stakeholders and county agents.
• Analyze data to identify needs and help develop educational programs.
• Develop equitable plan of work addressing county needs.
• Promote extension programming and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with other extension programs and community groups.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Public speaking

Outreach programming

Teamwork

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Agriculture or related area

Bachelor's degree acceptable for provisional appointment

Job description

Decatur County Ag & Natural Resources Agent – CAES Southwest District

University of Georgia – College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Southwest District Extension.

University of Georgia is a public institution chartered in 1785, flagship of higher education in Georgia. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine. https://www.uga.edu/

Contract Details

Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status Non‑Tenure Track

Advised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date 09/01/2025

Location SW District

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank

Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status Non‑Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture or related area.
• A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for a Public Service Provisional appointment.

Position Summary

This area is known for its intense, high-quality agricultural production mostly due to the dedication and expertise of the growers and advisors available. This position will provide educational programming in the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) area in Decatur County providing educational opportunities in production agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources to a wide variety of audiences utilizing multiple teaching methods. This position involves frequent night meetings, some weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable private vehicle for official travel are needed. Reimbursement for business travel will be provided. Transportation of others, including 4‑H youth and adult clientele, is also a common function of the job. 4‑H competitions, overnight camps, and other events are conducted at district and state levels and necessitate travel and transport of participants.

Additional Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for a Public Service Provisional appointment. This provisional faculty classification is offered for no more than three years without review. You may apply for a regular service faculty appointment upon completion of an advanced degree or successful progression through the public service promotion process. See the University of Georgia Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions for Public Service and Outreach Academic Rank for complete details.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to speak to/teach large groups of residents
• Ability to organize and carry out activities and programming for youth
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county, district, and state staff, local government employees, and clientele
• Ability to show high standards of professionalism in personal contacts, appearance, and work habits
• Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely through written and verbal communication
• Ability to work as a team member and engage with groups and committees
• Ability to design, coordinate, and teach educational programs to meet community needs
• Skills in leadership and management

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes
Credit and P-Card policy

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor and teacher for AG & Natural Resources – to the local community.
• Develop a purposeful relationship with farmers, landowners, stakeholders and other county agents to accomplish outreach activities as related to Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR).
• Utilizing the expertise of these advisory groups, community leaders, public officials, and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and assist in developing educational programs.
• Percentage Of Time 30 Duties/Responsibilities: Develop a plan of work that is equitable in meeting the varied socioeconomic needs of the county.
• Conduct promotional efforts to expand the public’s view of extension programming.
• Utilize research data and information on emerging issues in program development.
• Percentage Of Time 25 Duties/Responsibilities: Develop and conducts interdisciplinary programs with other staff members on critical issues.
• Partner and collaborate with other Extension programs – such as 4H and Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Collaborates with other agencies and community groups to plan and implement programs.
• Percentage Of Time 15 Duties/Responsibilities: Target specific audiences for educational programs addressing critical issues identified in plan of work.
• Implements the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Civil Rights/Equal Opportunity plan.
• Other duties as assigned by District Director, Program Area Coordinator, County Coordinator, or State Faculty