Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

NC State Extension Forestry

Surry (ME)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 50,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Childcare benefits

Job summary

NC State Extension invites applications for an Agriculture – Livestock and Forages Agent in Surry County. The role focuses on leading education in consumer and commercial livestock, pasture management, animal nutrition, waste management, pond care, and youth livestock programs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong animal science background, excellent communication, and the ability to engage farm audiences and build partnerships.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in animal science, crop science, agronomy, or related field.
Experience with livestock and crops.
Ability to travel within the county and occasionally outside the county.
Valid NC Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of livestock and forages educational programs.
Engage farm audiences through visits and community partnerships.
Collaborate with county staff, specialists, and partner organizations to meet agricultural needs.
Develop and market programs for 4-H and youth livestock activities.

Skills

Animal science

Livestock production

Communication skills

People skills

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field

Master's degree in agriculture or related field

Job description

Position Information

Posting Number: PG190891CE
Position Number: NC-00002258-0926
Position Type: NC Cooperative Extension
Department: Surry County Extension
Job City & State: Dobson, NC
Working Title: Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)
Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent FTE 1.0
Work Schedule: 8:15 am - 5:00 pm; evenings and weekends as required

Essential Job Duties

Surry County Cooperative Extension is seeking an Agriculture – Livestock and Forages Agent to help local producers access research-based information, educational resources, and practical solutions that support the success of agriculture in Surry County.

This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems, pond management, and leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program.

The person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele, is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage target audiences, and who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

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

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

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 a 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 or school bell.

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 residents.

The Livestock Agent will serve Surry County, a county anchored by rural farming communities and a mix of crop, livestock, and poultry production. Surry County has close to 71,500 residents encompassing roughly 105,791 acres, with an average farm size of approximately 113 acres. The county produces a variety of crops and maintains livestock and poultry operations, including 7.8 million layer chickens. Surry County is the 8th-largest producer of beef cows and the 5th-largest producer of sheep, goats, wool, mohair, and milk in North Carolina.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What We Offer

Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Surry staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently.

Develop and maintain organized programs that follow NC Cooperative Extension, county, and national laws, policies, and guidelines.
Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the agriculture program and services on a regular basis.
Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies, and community organizations to meet the needs of the agriculture community.
Network with agents, specialists, and local agriculture producers to plan and implement innovative field days/educational programs.
Promote Agriculture within the county.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural community, ranging from contract poultry growers, beef producers, sheep producers, and goat producers to crop-livestock mixed farms and potential new farmers. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock poultry production and biosecurity education, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing extension leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program in Surry County. The Livestock Agent will work closely with the local cattlemen’s association and partner with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS, and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed.

This position will work with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational pesticide training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to maintain their licenses.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable Work Schedule 8:15 am - 5:00 pm; evenings and weekends as required 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 animal science, crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.
Experience working with a wide variety of livestock and crops.
Ability to travel within the county and occasional travel outside the county/district

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

A Master’s degree
Extension or other professional experience, including a high level of computer competency

Required License or Certification

NC State Driver’s License

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

Recruitment

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 09/16/2026

Recruitment Details

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

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/234722 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 workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

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.

Application Materials Required