Extension Agent, Ag

NC State University; Goldsboro (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University’s Wayne County Extension seeks an Agent to lead research-based educational programs in field crops and pesticide education, coordinating training for license attainment and ongoing compliance.

The role involves collaborating with campus specialists, delivering on-farm outreach, managing demonstrations, and supporting emergency preparedness, farm safety, and community engagement. Work schedule is Mon-Fri with occasional evenings/weekends; travel required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop science, agricultural education, agribusiness or related field.
• Experience with extension or agricultural education is preferred.
• Ability to train pesticide licensing and provide on-farm outreach.
• Willingness to travel within the county and state.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational programs in field crops and pesticide education.
• Train private, public, and commercial applicators for licensing.
• Develop programs aligned with extension and government policies.
• Coordinate outreach, field days, and trials.
• Maintain records of farm visits and evaluations.
• Collaborate with staff and university specialists on research and programs.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Leadership

Multitasking

Public relations

Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Position Information

Position Overview

This position provides leadership for research-based educational programs in field crops (tobacco, corn, cotton, peanuts, small grains, soybeans) and pesticide education. Serving as the County Pesticide Coordinator, the Agent conducts training for private, public, and commercial applicators to obtain and maintain licensing. Working with local staff, university specialists, and regional extension colleagues, the Agent supports technology adoption, regulatory compliance, farm safety, disaster preparedness, and public awareness of agriculture’s economic impact.

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

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

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 a 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 or school bell.

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. Wayne County, NC is located in eastern North Carolina, approximately 50 miles southeast of Raleigh (our state’s capital). Goldsboro is the county seat. Wayne County is an agricultural community known for its strong crop production, livestock operations, and vibrant agribusiness sector. For more information about Wayne County see:

Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop programs aligned with NC Cooperative Extension, NCSU , NCA &T, and government policies.
• Maintain producer contact lists for regular on-farm outreach and technical engagement.
• Convene advisory committees to identify community needs and explore emerging practices.
• Partner with extension peers and university specialists on joint research, trials, and programs.
• Secure local partnerships, grant funding, and industry sponsorships to advance field demonstrations.

2. Educational Delivery & Technical Support

• Serve as County Pesticide Coordinator, leading license training for private, public, and commercial operators.
• Provide 1-on-1 technical consultations for field crop producers to optimize inputs, diagnose plant health issues, and solve production challenges.
• Host workshops, field days, and compliance training showcasing research, emerging ag technologies (e.g., precision ag, digital tools), and sustainable management practices.
• Deliver farm safety and agricultural education initiatives for community members of all ages in cooperation with schools, youth groups, and civic organizations.
• Manage demonstration sites to educate producers and the public on local crops and practices.
• Provide technical guidance on soil testing, plant tissue sampling, and environmental stewardship (water quality, conservation practices).

3. Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Recovery

• Assist local producers with agricultural emergency management, drought/storm preparedness, and post-disaster crop damage assessment and recovery resources.

4. Outreach & Volunteer Leadership

• Engage the public, civic groups, and media outlets to increase community awareness of the economic and social importance of local agriculture.
• Train and supervise volunteers supporting local agricultural initiatives, field sites, and community events.
• Disseminate timely agronomic alerts, pest warnings, and meeting notices via digital messaging, newsletters, and social media.
• Collaborate with local office staff on multi-generational, cross-disciplinary events (e.g., livestock shows, county fair).

5. Evaluation & Accountability

• Maintain detailed records of farm visits, diagnostic consultations, client follow-ups, and compliance activities.
• Conduct post-program evaluations to measure learning outcomes, practice changes, and long‑term economic and environmental impacts.
• Log contact reach, diagnostic cases, and impact metrics into official reporting systems ( ERS ) to demonstrate public return on investment.

6. General Operations

• Perform other duties as assigned by extension leadership to support local office operations and organizational goals.

Other Work/Responsibilities

NA

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises

0

Percent of Time Spent

0%

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5pm with evenings and weekends as needed.

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 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.

Department Required Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self directed and self motivated with the ability to multitask and set priorities.
• Possess strong work ethic with skills in leadership, communications, networking, budgeting, and public relations.
• Excellent time and resource management skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work well with people.
• Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain the working relationships.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Education, Agribusiness, or a related agricultural field (Master’s preferred).
• Solid understanding of field crop production, integrated pest management ( IPM ), pesticide regulations, soil/plant diagnostics, and emerging ag technologies.
• Travel within the county is required. Some travel within the state and district is required. Travel will be reimbursed following state guidelines.
• Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking, and resource development is essential.

Required License or Certification

Valid NC Driver’s License

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Physical Required? No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 Commensurate with experience.

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 [phone] or [e-mail].

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.