Extension Assistant - Horticulture (CEFS)

NC State Extension Forestry; Goldsboro (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is seeking an Extension Assistant - Horticulture (CEFS) to support research-based education for limited-resource audiences in Goldsboro, NC. The role involves assisting with applied research, demonstrations and trainings in sustainable crop production.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Plant Sciences or related field, 2+ years in horticulture, strong communication skills, and physical ability to lift 50 pounds and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, Applied Horticulture, Agriculture or Extension Education in related field.
• Two or more years of experience with horticulture crop production and organic production systems.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds safely to manage farm demonstration equipment.
• Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation.
• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in management, implementation and dissemination of research based educational programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences.
• Conduct applied research and demonstrations related to testing various production methods and sustainable crop development.
• Conduct multiple field-staff and farmer trainings in sustainable crop production.

Job description

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and ... No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount
• and more

Position Overview

This position serves as the Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant at the Small Farms Unit of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. In collaboration with Extension Specialists, this position assists in the management, implementation, and dissemination of research based educational programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Primary responsibilities include assisting with applied research and demonstrations related to testing various production methods and sustainable crop development; and conducting multiple field-staff and farmer trainings in sustainable crop production.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master’s degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master’s degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State

University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. N.C. A&T Extension provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in many of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For additional information, please visit (http://www.ncat.edu).

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Plant Sciences, Applied Horticulture, Agriculture or Extension Education in related field.
• Two or more years of experience with horticulture crop production and organic production systems.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds safely to manage farm demonstration equipment.
• Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation.
• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Applied Horticulture, Agriculture, or Extension Education in related field.
• Three or more years of work experience with horticulture crop production and organic production systems.
• Three or more years of experience working in an occupation directly related to the position requirements.
• Knowledge of agriculture, small family businesses, and farm machinery
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage time and resources

Required License or Certification

NC Driver’s License to operate state vehicles.

Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.

On‑site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on‑site)

Position Information

Working Title Extension Assistant - Horticulture (CEFS) Position Number 008954 Recruitment Salary Range $40,000-$50,000 FLSA Exempt Appointment Type Permanent - Full-time Tenure Track No FTE 40 hours/week, 12 months If Time Limited, Appointment Length

Posting Detail Information

• Posting Number EPA3110
• Open Date 06/15/2026
• Close Date - for postings that do not use Open Until Filled
• Open Until Filled Yes
• Open until Filled Minimum Application Period Postings: Positions remaining posted after this date are continuing to accept applications, but may close at any time. Applications received by this date will receive full consideration, applications received after this date may receive consideration depending upon the status of the search
• Date Position Available 06/15/2026