Extension Agent, Ag - Small Farms and Local Foods (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

Durham County, NC – 12-month recurring, full-time (1.0 FTE) position with NC State Extension.

About the role

The Extension Agent for Small Farms and Local Foods will lead educational programs that enhance the profitability and sustainability of Durham County agriculture, with a focus on small farms and local-food systems. The agent will serve both urban and traditional agricultural audiences, work across crop and livestock sectors, and support the development of the 129-acre Durham County Farm Campus. This position may be filled at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level based on qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Design, market, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational programs for small and medium-sized farms, emphasizing economic viability and sustainable practices.
• Use in-person and virtual methods—classes, field days, site visits, email, and phone—to reach farmers and community members.
• Serve as Local Foods Coordinator, building connections between farms and the local community to strengthen the county’s food system.
• Develop and implement programming on FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) guidelines and support producers pursuing GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification.
• Collaborate with the county pesticide coordinator to provide training for private, public, and commercial pesticide applicators.
• Work with the livestock agent to manage livestock educational services.
• Partner with the Farm Manager and Extension Agriculture Team to develop and program the Durham County Farm Campus.
• Represent N.C. Cooperative Extension and cultivate relationships with stakeholders and community groups to raise the profile of agriculture county-wide.

Requirements

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or 3.0 in an agricultural or related field (minimum GPA requirement waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor’s degree).
  • Bachelor’s degree plus at least half of coursework completed in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, with at least one degree in an agricultural or related field.
  • Completed Master’s degree with at least one degree in an agricultural or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license and ability to travel within and occasionally outside the county.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Extension or other professional experience.
• High computer competency and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience teaching, leading, and organizing activities with diverse populations.
• Proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Pay

• Bachelor’s degree: $40,000 minimum.
• Master’s degree: $45,000 minimum.
• Doctorate: $50,000 minimum.
• Additional adjustment based on Durham County salary scale.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Paid tuition for NC State University courses.
• Health insurance.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Supplemental benefits programs.
• WolfPerks discount program.

Schedule

8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with occasional evenings and weekends as required.