Extension Agent, Community & Rural Development, and Local Food Coordinator (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

About the role

The Extension Agent, Community & Rural Development, and Local Food Coordinator will provide educational outreach and support to farmers, consumers, and community leaders through various programs and initiatives. They will also serve as a key point of contact for local food-related information and programs.

Responsibilities

• Agricultural Economic Development and Farm Management:
  • Conduct farm visits and consultations with aspiring, new, and established farmers.
  • Navigate land policies, present-use value (PUV), bona fide farm status, and agricultural revenue diversification.
• W.C. Breeze Farm Operations:
  • Oversee farm finances, recruit and support incubator farmers, and provide connections to technical support.
  • Schedule and manage farm upkeep and maintenance.
  • Supervise the part-time Breeze Farm site manager.
• On-Farm Education:
  • Collaborate with community partners and farmers to enhance Breeze Farm’s educational offerings.
• Grants & Board Support:
  • Staff the Orange County Agricultural Grant Program.
  • Marketing, application consultation, and expenditure report assistance.
• Events Coordination:
  • Lead the planning of the annual Orange County Agricultural Summit and other related programs.
• Local Food Coordinator:
  • Provide education on agriculture and healthy eating for youth.
  • Connect local foods into schools and provide resources for consumers.
  • Train farmers and businesses on growing, marketing, and selling safe products.
  • Provide research-based information to policy-makers and enhance agricultural literacy.
• Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation:
  • Determine community program needs and priorities.
  • Organize, communicate, and deliver evidence-based course materials.
  • Train clients, landowners, farmers, food system members, and community leaders.
  • Facilitate and lead community and food system leader training.
  • Coordinate with other county departments and committees on relevant projects.

Requirements

• One of the following educational requirements:
• A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in agribusiness or related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree and completion of at least half of coursework towards a Master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in agribusiness or related field.
• Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one degree in agribusiness or related field.
• A personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.