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

Required 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;
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master's degree is preferred.

Benefits

Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and a strong desire to help clients succeed. Extension agents recognize the importance of all communities and broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Extension Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance.

Pay

$50,000 - $65,000

Schedule

Varies