Animal Science & Forages Extension Agent - NW, WC

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking a self-directed Extension Agent to serve on the Animal Science & Forages Team in the Northwest, West Central, and part of the Central region.

About the role

The Extension Agent will participate as a cohesive member of the Animal Science and Forages Extension, organizing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for livestock, equine, and forage production. Programming will focus on research-based management practices and their environmental and animal well-being impacts.

The role involves using multiple educational delivery methods such as printed communication, workshops, applied research and demonstration projects, farm consultation visits, social media, and web resources. The Agent will also assist in writing grants, evaluating project outcomes, and developing new programs to meet producer needs.

The Agent will collaborate with local clientele, advisory groups, commodity organizations, and other stakeholders to determine regional program needs. They will work closely with the Animal Science and Forages team and County Extension Directors to plan, implement, and evaluate programs. Participation in regional and state associations is important for establishing leadership within the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The Agent may also provide expertise to support 4-H livestock and equine programming and will join a motivated team with existing programs including Alabama Forage Focus, Beef and Pork Quality Assurance, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and Value-Added marketing programming.

Responsibilities

• Organize, deliver, and evaluate educational programs for livestock, equine, and forage production.
• Disseminate research-based management practices using multiple educational methods (workshops, farm visits, social media, printed materials, etc.).
• Participate in applied research and demonstration projects on farms or Auburn University research farms.
• Write grants and support activities that benefit clientele through applied research and demonstrations.
• Assist in project outcome and impact evaluations for the team leader and administrators.
• Collaborate with the Animal Science and Forages team to develop and implement new programs addressing producer needs.
• Engage with local clientele, advisory groups, commodity organizations, and other stakeholders to assess regional program needs.
• Partner with County Extension Directors to plan, implement, and evaluate animal science and forages programs in the region.
• Participate in regional and state discipline-related associations to build a reputation as an educational leader.
• Provide expertise to support 4-H livestock and equine programming as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy, or a related field.
• Applicable work experience in the field of study (Level 1: 0 years; Level 2: 4 years with a Bachelor’s or 2 years with a Master’s).
• Experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs, including formal and/or informal teaching methods.
• Regular travel is required; access to reliable transportation is essential.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent full-time benefits starting on Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year.
• 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually.
• 7 paid holidays plus 2 weeks of paid leave during Christmas/New Year’s when the University closes.
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption (available for both parents).
• Auburn University tuition assistance for you and your dependents after one year of service.
• Generous state retirement plan and other voluntary retirement options.

Pay

Salary will be commensurate with relevant, professional work experience.