Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health Insurance

Flexible Scheduling

Retirement Savings

WolfPerks!

Job summary

NC State Extension in Haywood County seeks an Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture. This 12-month, 1.0 FTE, full-time position focuses on both home/consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture with emphasis on profitability and sustainability.

The successful candidate will train Master Gardener volunteers, deliver education to homeowners on lawn and garden care, and support commercial nursery production using best practices and financial concepts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science or related agricultural field required.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational programs in both home/consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture.
• Train and support the Master Gardener program in Haywood County.
• Develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and collaborate with volunteers and organizations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science or related agricultural field

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number PG190867CE

Position Number w-00002339-0526

Position Type NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

Job City & State Waynesville, NC

Department NC Cooperative Extension - Haywood County

System Information

Working Title Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Job Type Full-Time - Permanent

FTE 1.0

Position Overview

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 StateExtension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

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.

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!

The agent in this position will have educational responsibilities in both home and consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture program areas in Haywood County. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs focused on home and consumer horticulture for homeowners, including (but not limited to) best management practices needed in caring for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. The successful candidate must also be able to conduct educational programs focused on the profitability and sustainability of ornamental and nursery plant production, utilizing best practices and encouraging the adoption of proven technology, business, and financial practices. The successful candidate will also be responsible for training and supporting the Master Gardener program in Haywood 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.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

This position provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs in Haywood County for commercial and consumer horticulture. This position will have a 70% focus on commercial horticulture and a 30% focus on consumer horticulture/Master Gardener management.

This position will require the ability to provide homeowners with diagnosis and recommendations for plant disease, insect, and other abiotic disorders of home lawn, garden, orchard, or other landscape plants.

This position will also require the ability to assist with services related to plant/insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other support services to commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.

This position will be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervising, and managing of Haywood County Master Gardener volunteers during their contribution to Cooperative Extension programming in the county/state.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with co-workers, other agencies, groups, Master Gardener Volunteers, community volunteers, and organizations in order to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the counties.

Expected to provide pesticide education in collaboration with the livestock agent to meet the needs of a variety of clientele

Supervisory

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises 0

Percent of Time Spent N/A

Requirements and Preferences

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

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday; night and weekends are required as needed

Minimum Experience/Education

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.

Department Required Skills

A bachelor’s degree in horticultural science or a related agricultural field is required.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

N/A

Required License Or Certification

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 $40,000-$50,000

Internal Transfer Only

Internal Transfer Only No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 08/26/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/230506

EEO

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.