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Description:

The Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources ( ANR )- Urban Agriculture in Buncombe County will be responsible for planning, executing and evaluating effective and comprehensive educational programs and training designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources confronting small-scale, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged food producers. Programs address high priority needs and issues for these populations that align with the mission and vision of the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T.

The Extension Agent is responsible for non-formal education in techniques for urban agriculture, local food marketing and sustainable agriculture. The Extension Agent organizes, communicates, and delivers course materials in formal and informal instructional settings; collaborates with county and community based organizations to deliver programs and recruit program participants; determines program needs and priorities by conducting needs assessments; and evaluates data collected from multiple sources including advisory committee members, county residents and program participants.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC A&T State University.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU ) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T 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 Service, 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 almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In Buncombe County, small farm and urban farming opportunities are escalating and becoming increasingly important as a supplemental income for the preservation of small agricultural lands. Interest and demand in locally produced products is rapidly expanding. Economic development opportunities for growers, the need for agricultural processing infrastructure and strategies for addressing food insecurity and proper nutrition are important issues. Interest in gardening has grown tremendously. Prioritized issues are currently identified which include agriculture/horticulture sustainability including alternatives; environmental resource utilization including conservation, recycling, urban storm water and farmland preservation; and agriculture/horticulture business management including diversification and value-added opportunities. Emphasis on locally grown produce — both consumer interest and education, grower education, marketing and infrastructure development, continue to be an area of focus and supported by Buncombe county and its community leaders.

For more information on Buncombe County, please visit:

https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/default.aspx and https://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu/

Requirements:

+ A bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, extension education, agricultural science, horticulture, plant and soil science or related fields in addition to work experience in Extension or working/teaching in diverse communities, with an understanding that a Master’s degree will be pursued.

+ Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

+ Ability to work and interact with diverse populations.

+ Skills in leadership, communication, networking, budgeting and public relations.

+ 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.

+ Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation.

+ Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

+ Must be able to lift and carry training supplies and equipment needed for farm demonstrations and workshops.

Preferred:

+ Master’s degree in agricultural education, extension education, horticulture, plant and soil science or a related field and two or more years of experience with horticulture crop production or plant production systems (including, but not limited to, soil, water, crop and pest management).

+ Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities.

+ Experience working effectively as a team member.

+ Ability to manage time and resources.

+ Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing and presentations.

+ Skills in leadership, budgeting and public relations.

Special Instructions:

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 Affirmative Action Employer. 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

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.