Extension Agent, Ag-Hort (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

About the role

NC Cooperative Extension in Wake County is seeking a Horticulture Extension Agent. The Horticulture Agent is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) and will provide horticulture education to the citizens of Wake County through a variety of programming experiences. The agent will also proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the programs and continue to grow a thriving Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina residents. Wake County is located in central North Carolina; as of 2026 its population exceeds 1.2 million people. The county includes both urban and rural areas with a growing population of 66 residents per day placing significant pressure on existing agriculture producers and farmland. Wake County has 532,415 acres with 77,008 acres in farms and 691 farms (average 111 acres). Soybeans, wheat, hay, and tobacco are the primary crops. Cash receipts and government payments for the agriculture industry are over $56 million. Wake County is home to the largest number of green industry producers in the State.

Posting Number: PG190913CE | Position Number: NE-00002479-1026 | Department: NCCE Wake County System | Location: Raleigh, NC | Appointment: 12 Month Recurring | Job Type: Full-Time Permanent | FTE: 1.00

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate Extension educational programs in commercial and consumer horticulture, including turf and ornamental, home gardening, fruits, and vegetables.
• Provide technical assistance to clientele on horticulture-related topics, including Integrated Pest and Disease Management.
• Lead, coordinate, and oversee the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, including recruitment, training, and continuing education for approximately 170 existing volunteers.
• Develop and deliver educational programs that promote the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina Green Industry professionals through research-based best practices, proven technologies, and effective business and financial practices.
• Collaborate with the Local Foods Agent, Food Security Manager, Agriculture and Natural Resources Team Lead, and community partners to support Community Food Systems and Food Security initiatives, policy, systems, and environmental efforts in Wake County.
• Support the Capital Area Food Network and provide leadership for the Community Garden Network.
• Develop and coordinate video production to support horticulture education and outreach programs.
• Support youth horticulture education and develop subject-matter-related 4-H youth programming.
• Develop and implement innovative marketing strategies to promote educational programs and evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes and demonstrated impact.
• Deliver educational programs through in-person and virtual formats to diverse audiences, including individuals, groups, volunteers, and industry professionals.
• Work independently and collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams to plan, coordinate, and implement Extension programming.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of Cooperative Extension programming and educational initiatives.

Requirements

Education (one of the following)

• A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree.
• A Bachelor's degree and completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field.
• Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field.

Required skills and competencies

• Bachelor's degree in a horticulture-related field.
• Technical competence in horticulture and ability to deliver educational programs.
• Travel within the district is required; occasional travel outside the district is required.
• Demonstrated horticulture subject-matter competence across commercial and consumer horticulture.
• Strong public speaking, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Effective teaching and educational delivery skills for in-person and virtual programs.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead, coordinate, and support volunteer programs, including volunteer recruitment, training, and continuing education.
• Ability to develop and deliver research-based educational programming for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to develop and implement educational programs that address client and community needs.

Qualifications (preferred)

• Master's degree.
• Work experience with horticulture to include turf and ornamentals, home gardening, fruits and vegetables, pest management, etc.
• Ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong technology skills.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest and Disease Management and ability to provide related technical assistance.
• Experience developing educational programs that support the profitability and sustainability of Green Industry professionals.
• Knowledge of horticultural business and financial practices and the application of proven technologies.
• Experience coordinating volunteer programs, particularly Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Programs.
• Experience supporting community food systems, food security initiatives, and community garden networks.
• Experience developing and coordinating educational video production.
• Experience developing youth horticulture and 4-H programming.
• Skills in marketing, evaluating, and measuring the impact of educational programs.

Licenses & certifications

• Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
• Commercial Driver's License not required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Full-Time or Part-Time employment status.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $50,000–$64,000. Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000. Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

8:30 AM – 5:15 PM, Monday – Friday, with some nights and weekends required.