Extension Agent, Ag-Hort (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

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 Extension seeks an Extension Agent specialized in horticulture to lead Dare County programs, recruit volunteers and connect with local groups. The role emphasizes practical education, plant and pest identification, and community garden support, with opportunities to develop youth horticulture initiatives.

Requirements include a horticulture-related degree, strong communication, and willingness to travel regionally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a horticulture-related field.
• Technical competence in horticulture and ability to deliver educational programs.
• Travel within the district is required, with occasional travel outside the district.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and evaluate outcome-based horticulture programs for Dare County.
• Recruit, train and manage Extension Master Gardeners and volunteers.
• Collaborate with community organizations to link Extension with local resources.

Skills

Travel within district

Occasional travel outside district

Volunteer management

Teamwork

Written & verbal communication

Technology skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture

Master’s degree desirable

Doctorate desirable

Job description

Position Title

Extension Agent, Ag-Hort (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Posting Number

PG190878CE

Position Number

NE-00112173-0726

Position Type

NC Cooperative Extension

Job City & State

Manteo, NC

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 State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out the video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension. Some of our benefits include: Paid time off, Paid tuition, Health Insurance, Flexible Scheduling, Retirement Savings, Supplemental Benefits Programs, WolfPerks!

Primary Purpose of Position

This position will be responsible for Horticulture programming in Dare County. The Horticulture Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Dare County. The agent must have technical competence in both consumer and commercial horticulture and in the delivery of non-formal education programs, as well as the identification of plants and pests and the diagnosis of plant problems. The agent develops and works with stakeholder-based committees that provide direction for Extension programs; works with community organizations to effectively link Extension with local resources and clients; and assists effectively with recruiting, training, and managing Extension Master Gardener and other volunteers to expand outreach efforts. In addition, the agent will provide support to community gardens and work towards developing a youth horticulture program.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Agent works with homeowners, community groups, commercial horticultural crop producers, professional landscape and turf professionals, and others to increase their knowledge of horticultural issues and implementation of best management practices. Additional responsibilities include assisting with recruiting and training new Master Gardeners, pesticide education as it pertains to horticulture and the green industry, and developing and coordinating youth horticulture programs. The person must be self-directed, have the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and schedules, possess effective oral and written communication skills, and be willing to work with broad audiences. Grant writing and project management experience is essential. Computer, organization, interpersonal and networking skills are crucial for success. Ability to effectively deliver information via mass media including television, radio and social media is expected. Candidates must be willing to work with the staff to support the entire Extension program.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The professional in this position must be energetic, enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with audiences, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision. He or she must possess a high degree of subject matter competence, have the ability to work independently and as a team member interdisciplinary across subject matters as well as develop subject‑matter-related 4‑H youth horticulture programming.

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. – 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 a horticulture-related field is required. The agent must have technical competence in horticulture and be able to deliver educational programs.
• Travel within the district is required.
• Occasional travel outside the district is required.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• A Master’s degree at time of hiring is desirable. The expectation is that a Master’s degree will be pursued after hiring.
• 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 strong technology skills.

Required License or Certification

Valid Driver’s License and reliable, personal transportation required. A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master’s $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience at 1.00 FTE.

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 (919) 515‑2135 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.