Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

About the role

This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems, pond management, and leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program.

Responsibilities

• Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the agriculture program and services on a regular basis.
• Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies, and community organizations to meet the needs of the agriculture community.
• Network with agents, specialists, and local agriculture producers to plan and implement innovative field days/educational programs.
• Promote Agriculture within the county.
• Engage the agricultural community, ranging from contract poultry growers, beef producers, sheep producers, and goat producers to crop-livestock mixed farms and potential new farmers.
• Develop and maintain organized programs that follow NC Cooperative Extension, county, and national laws, policies, and guidelines.
• Assist in providing extension leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program in Surry County.
• Work closely with the local cattlemen’s association and partner with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS, and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed.
• Work with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational pesticide training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to maintain their licenses.
• Develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science, crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.
• Experience working with a wide variety of livestock and crops.
• Valid NC Driver's License required.

Qualifications

• One of the following educational requirements:
  • A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field.
  • A Bachelor’s degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 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.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High degree of subject matter competence.
• Computer literacy.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Paid tuition.
• Health Insurance.
• Flexible Scheduling.
• Retail Savings.
• Supplemental Benefits Programs.
• WolfPack Perks.

Pay

• Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000.

Schedule

• 8:15 am - 5:00 pm; evenings and weekends as required.