Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Henrico County

About the role

The position requires basic knowledge of horticulture, including crop production; integrated pest management and plant diagnostics, plant physiology, pathology, weed science, pesticide management; and economics and marketing. The position also requires basic knowledge of environmental issues, fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, as well as soils, water, nutrient, and greenhouse management.

Responsibilities

• Determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees;
• Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs to meet the needs of target audiences;
• Specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources;
• Inform clientele of program activities;
• Use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, one-on-one visits, on-farm demonstrations, field trips and tours;
• Maintain knowledge of current research information, use computer applications;
• Develop and implement evaluation plans;
• Recruit, train and utilize volunteers enabling them to plan, conduct, evaluate and report educational activities;
• Provide educational leadership and informational assistance to producers, industry, Master Gardener volunteers, and homeowners relative to the horticultural needs of the counties;
• Report results to clientele, public and administration.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers;
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs;
• Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with broad audiences;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university;
• A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Skills

Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and a strong desire to help clients succeed.

Benefits

The position does not offer benefits.

Pay

$50,000 - $65,000

Schedule

Varies