Extension Agent, Ag, Urban Ag /Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

North Carolina State University; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) in Mecklenburg County seeks a Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Agent to lead educational programs for commercial horticulture, urban farming, and consumer horticulture, including pesticide education and certification.

This role requires self-direction, project management, and collaboration with community partners to build programs and support small farms, with 75% focus on commercial/urban agriculture and 25% on Master Gardener management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing the needs of commercial horticulture, urban agriculture, small farms, and consumer horticulture.
• Provide leadership and management for the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.
• Develop and market impactful educational programs for diverse audiences throughout the county.
• Coordinate pesticide education and certification programs to meet county clientele needs.
• Provide services related to plant and insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other technical support.
• Provide educational support to small farms and commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, agency partners, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects, responsibilities, schedules, and program priorities with a high degree of self-direction.

Job description

Position Information

Posting Number: PG190897CE

Position Number: SC-00112326-0926

Position Type: NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

Job City & State: Charlotte, NC

Department: NCCE Mecklenburg County

System Information

Working Title: Extension Agent, Ag, Urban Ag /Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent

FTE: 1.00

Position Overview

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) in Mecklenburg County is seeking a Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Agent to provide dynamic leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective educational programs to meet the needs for commercial and consumer horticulture and urban agriculture, including small farms. This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs. A general knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices specific to an urban area is preferred.

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

As a key member of the Extension office in Mecklenburg County, the agent will develop and market impactful educational programs. This role requires a high degree of self-direction, project management expertise, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, and agency partners. Working with a team, the agent will lead the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.

The position will have a 75% focus on commercial horticulture and urban agriculture and a 25% focus on consumer horticulture/Master Gardener management.

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.

Mecklenburg County is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina. According to the Office of State Budget and Management, the 2025 population was 1,219,208, making Mecklenburg County the second-most populous county in North Carolina. Its county seat is Charlotte, the state's largest city. North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County operates within the County Manager's Office and partners with a vast number of organizations to expand its programmatic efforts.

For more information on Mecklenburg County, go to www.mecknc.gov/

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!

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

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

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing the needs of commercial horticulture, urban agriculture, small farms, and consumer horticulture.
• Provide leadership and management for the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.
• Develop and market impactful educational programs for diverse audiences throughout the county.
• Coordinate pesticide education and certification programs to meet county clientele needs.
• Provide services related to plant and insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other technical support.
• Provide educational support to small farms and commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, agency partners, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects, responsibilities, schedules, and program priorities with a high degree of self-direction.