Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid tuition

Health Insurance

Flexible Scheduling

Retirement Savings

Supplemental Benefits Programs

WolfPerks!

Job summary

NC State University invites applications for an Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture in Haywood County. The role focuses on developing and delivering education on home consumer horticulture and profitable commercial horticulture practices, with emphasis on integrating best practices and proven technology.

The position requires coordinating Master Gardener programs, collaborating with professionals and volunteers, and delivering programs that impact homeowners and local

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science or a related agricultural field is required.
• Master’s degree in agriculture or related field is considered favorable.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational programs in home and consumer horticulture and commercial horticulture.
• Train and supervise Haywood County Master Gardener volunteers.
• Develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and collaborate across agencies and groups.

Skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticultural science or related agricultural field

Master's degree in agricultural field

Job description

Posting Number:

PG190867CE

Position Number:

w-00002339-0526

Position Type:

NC Cooperative Extension

Job City & State:

Waynesville, NC

Department :

NC Cooperative Extension - Haywood County

Working Title:

Extension Agent, Ag-Consumer and Commercial Horticulture

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Job Type:

Full-Time - Permanent

FTE:

1.0

Essential Job Duties:

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.

• 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.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

*

Duties and Responsibilities:

*

Other Work/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

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises:

0

Percent of Time Spent:

N/A

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key:

Not Applicable

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.
• 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

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$40,000-$50,000

Internal Transfer Only:

No

Job Open Date:

08/26/2026

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.