Extension Agent, Ag, Urban Ag /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

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Life Insurance

Disability Plans

Job summary

NC State University’s North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County seeks a Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Agent to lead educational programs for commercial horticulture, urban agriculture, and small farms in Mecklenburg County, including pesticide education and certification.

The role emphasizes self-direction, project management, and building partnerships with community members, organizations, and agency partners; focus is 75% commercial/urban horticulture and 25% consumer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Ability to travel within the district as required, and occasionally outside the district.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and self-direction to manage multiple responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing commercial horticulture, urban agriculture, small farms, and consumer horticulture.
• Provide leadership for the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.
• Coordinate pesticide education and certification programs to meet county needs.
• Build collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, and agency partners.
• Manage multiple projects, schedules, and priorities with self-direction.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication

Strong organizational and time‑管理

Strong interpersonal and relationship‑

Travel within district

Travel outside district occasionally

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or related field

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Doctorate (preferred)

Job description

Posting Number

PG190897CE

Position Number

SC-00112326-0926

Position Type

NC Cooperative Extension

Job City & State

Charlotte, NC

Department

NCCE Mecklenburg County

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

Essential Job Duties

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 75% focus on commercial horticulture and urban agriculture and 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/. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

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.

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.

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.
• Apply knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, particularly as they relate to an urban environment.
• Communicate effectively with broad audiences through strong oral and written communication skills.
• Utilize computer, organizational, interpersonal, and networking skills to effectively deliver Extension programs and services.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Other responsibilities include coordinating pesticide education to meet the needs presented in the county across a variety of clientele, assisting with services related to plant/insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other support services to small farms and commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises

0

Percent of Time Spent

0%

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key

Not Applicable

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday- 8 AM - 5 PM Business Hours - 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

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, crop science, agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Ability to travel within the district as required.
• Ability to travel outside the district occasionally.
• Self-directed and able to manage multiple responsibilities, priorities, and schedules.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with broad audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional networks and collaborative relationships.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• A master’s degree
• Previous Cooperative Extension and/or relevant experience

Required License or Certification

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

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

09/25/2026

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235156

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.