Extension Agent, Ag, Urban Ag /Horticulture (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

About the role

North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE ) in Mecklenburg County is seeking a Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Agent to provide dynamic leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective educational programs to meet the needs for commercial and consumer horticulture and urban agriculture, including small farms. This position is also responsible for pesticide education and certification programs. A general knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices specific to an urban area is preferred. The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications. As a key member of the Extension office in Mecklenburg County, the agent will develop and market impactful educational programs. This role requires a high degree of self-direction, project management expertise, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, and agency partners. Working with a team, the agent will lead the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County. The position will have a 75% focus on commercial horticulture and urban agriculture and a 25% focus on consumer horticulture/Master Gardener management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing the needs of commercial horticulture, urban agriculture, small farms, and consumer horticulture.
• Provide leadership and management for the Extension Master Gardener Program in Mecklenburg County.
• Develop and market impactful educational programs for diverse audiences throughout the county.
• Coordinate pesticide education and certification programs to meet county clientele needs.
• Provide services related to plant and insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other technical support.
• Provide educational support to small farms and commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community members, organizations, agency partners, and other stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects, responsibilities, schedules, and program priorities with a high degree of self-direction.
• Apply knowledge of sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, particularly as they relate to an urban environment.
• Communicate effectively with broad audiences through strong oral and written communication skills.
• Utilize computer, organizational, interpersonal, and networking skills to effectively deliver Extension programs and services.
• Coordinate pesticide education to meet the needs presented in the county across a variety of clientele.
• Assist with services related to plant/insect diagnostics, production recommendations, and other support services to small farms and commercial ornamental/nursery landscape plant production businesses.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based 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 the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher with at least one of the