Job Information
North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State Unive Extension Agent- ANR (Buncombe County) in Greensboro, North Carolina
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:
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/
Internal job number: 007453
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.