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

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; 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 Extension is seeking an Extension Agent, Ag-Hort to lead horticulture programming in Dare County, coordinating educational programs, developing volunteer outreach, supporting community gardens, and advancing youth horticulture initiatives.

The role requires strong communication, project management, and the ability to work with homeowners, garden groups, and professionals to translate best practices into community impact.

Qualifications

• One of the following: Bachelor’s degree with GPA threshold; Bachelor’s with Master’s coursework; Master’s degree in agricultural/related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead horticulture programming and coordinate educational programs.
• Recruit and train Master Gardeners; support youth hort. programs.
• Develop volunteer outreach, grant writing, and project management; deliver information via mass media.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in horticulture

Strong written and verbal comms

Travel within district

Volunteer management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture/related field

Master’s coursework with degree in agriculture/related field

Master’s degree in agriculture/related field

Job description

Position Overview

The Extension Agent, Ag‑Hort, will lead horticulture programming in Dare County, coordinating educational programs, developing volunteer outreach, supporting community gardens, and advancing youth horticulture initiatives.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health insurance
• Flexible scheduling
• Retirement savings
• Supplemental benefits programs
• WolfPerks

Duties and Responsibilities

The Agent works with homeowners, community groups, commercial horticultural crop producers, professional landscape and turf professionals, and other stakeholders to increase knowledge of horticultural issues and best management practices. Additional responsibilities include recruiting and training Master Gardeners, pesticide education for horticulture and the green industry, developing and coordinating youth horticulture programs, grant writing, and project management. The Agent must be self‑directed, able to juggle multiple responsibilities, possess strong oral and written communication skills, and deliver information via mass media including television, radio, and social media.

Minimum Experience and Education

One of the following: 1) Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or 3.0 in an agricultural or related field (waived for NCCE Program Associates); 2) Bachelor’s with at least one‑half of Master’s coursework completed and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 with at least one degree in an agricultural or related field; 3) Master’s degree with at least one degree in an agricultural or related field.

Required Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in a horticulture‑related field; technical competence in horticulture and ability to deliver educational programs.
• Travel within the district required.
• Occasional travel outside the district required.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree at time of hiring (desired and encouraged).
• Work experience in horticulture including turf, ornamentals, home gardening, fruits, vegetables, pest management.
• Ability to manage volunteers, work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong technology skills.

Required License and Certification

Valid North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of hire, reliable personal transportation; no commercial driver license required.

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive equal employment opportunities without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Disability accommodations are available upon request.