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

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 seeks an Extension Agent – Consumer Horticulture to plan and deliver non-formal educational programs across Columbus County. You will provide horticulture guidance, coordinate community outreach, and support Master Gardener Volunteers in clinics, seminars, and workshops.

The role requires strong communication, public speaking, and teaching skills, with travel within the county and possible district travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural education, agricultural science, horticulture or related field is required.
• Must have technical competence in horticulture and be able to deliver educational programs.
• Excellent public speaking, verbal and written communication, people skills and effective teaching skills for in-person and virtual programs.
• Travel within the county and district is required; occasional travel outside the district.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and evaluate non-formal educational programs related to consumer horticulture, community pest management, landscape, turf and urban forestry.
• Provide informational assistance to residents of Columbus County about consumer horticulture and related topics.
• Lead and support the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers program, coordinate meetings, and recruit/train volunteers.

Skills

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Written communication

People skills

Teaching skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural or related field

Master's degree in agriculture or related field

Doctorate in agriculture or related field

Job description

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

Whiteville, NC

NCCE-Columbus County Center

12 Month Recurring

Full-Time - Permanent

1.00

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

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 State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.

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

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 Work/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.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5pm with evenings and weekends 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 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.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

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

Anticipated Hiring Range

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

Internal Transfer Only

No

Job Open Date

09/08/2026

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/234102

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.