Extension Agent, Ag- Consumer Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

NC State Extension Forestry; Columbus (OH); 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 seeks an Extension Agent in Consumer Horticulture to plan, conduct, and evaluate non-formal educational programs. The role focuses on horticulture, landscape, turf management, and urban forestry, with emphasis on outreach to Columbus County residents.

The agent will lead Master Gardener Volunteers, coordinate trainings, and engage in recruitment and community education efforts. Travel within the county and occasional district travel are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, agricultural science, horticulture, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred for advancement.
• Strong horticulture subject matter competence and public speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and evaluate non-formal educational programs in consumer horticulture.
• Coordinate Master Gardener Volunteers program; lead meetings and training.
• Travel within the county/district; occasional travel outside the district.

Skills

Horticulture

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teaching skills

Volunteer management

Teamwork

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture/related field

Master's degree preferred

Master's degree in horticulture or related field preferred

Tools

MS Office

Email/communication tools

Job description

Position Information

• Posting Number PG190888CE
• Position Number SE-00005008-0826
• Position Type NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

• Job City & State Whiteville, NC
• Department NCCE-Columbus County Center

System Information

• Working Title Extension Agent, Ag- Consumer Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)
• Appointment 12 Month Recurring
• Job Type Full-Time - Permanent
• FTE 1.00

Benefits

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!

Primary Purpose Of Position

The Extension Agent – Consumer Horticulture, will be responsible for planning, conducting and evaluating non-formal educational programs and providing informational assistance related to consumer horticulture, community pest management, landscape and turf management, and urban forestry.

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 agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

At 954 sq. miles, Columbus County is the third largest county in North Carolina and is home to over 50,000 residents. Columbus County is famous for its small towns and friendly atmosphere. To find out more about Columbus County, see https://columbusco.org/

Other Duties And Responsibilities

The agent in this position will be providing horticulture education to the citizens of Columbus County through a variety of programming experiences. Responsibilities will include providing leadership and support for the established Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program. The successful candidate will meet regularly with Master Gardener Volunteers, coordinate monthly meetings, plan and facilitate continuing education opportunities, and support ongoing recruitment and training of new volunteers. Master Gardener Volunteers are actively engaged in the Extension program through plant clinics, seminars, workshops, plant sales and other educational and community outreach activities.

Requirements and Preferences

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

A Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural education, agricultural science, horticulture,

Or Any Other Related Agricultural Field Is Required.

The agent in this position must have technical competence in horticulture and be able to deliver educational programs. The person in this position must possess a high degree of horticulture subject matter competence. They must also have excellent public speaking skills, verbal and written communication skills, people skills, and effective teaching skills for in person and virtual educational programs. Additionally, the person in this position must have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension education program in the assigned areas.

Travel within the county and district is required.

Occasional travel outside the district is required.

A Master’s degree is preferred. Work experience with horticulture to include turf and ornamentals, home gardening, fruits and vegetables, pest management etc.

Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and good computer skills.

Required License or Certification NA

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? No Physical Required? No List any other medical/drug tests required

Recruitment

Anticipated Hiring Range Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 Commensurate with experience. Internal Transfer Only No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 09/08/2026

EEO Statement

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.