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 extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, focusing on agricultural economic development, farm management, and local food systems. They will collaborate with community partners and farmers to enhance Breeze Farm's capacity for on-farm trials, demonstrations, and educational events. Additionally, they will serve as the primary county point of contact for local foods information and programs.

Responsibilities

• Farm Support & Consultations: Conduct farm visits and consultations with aspiring, new, and established farmers, assist with land policies, and promote agricultural revenue diversification.
• W.C. Breeze Farm Operations: Oversee farm finances, recruit and support incubator farmers, and provide connections to technical support. Ensure farm upkeep and maintenance, including mowing and scheduling repairs.
• Supervision: Supervise the part-time Breeze Farm site manager, conduct regular staff meetings and evaluations.
• On-Farm Education: Collaborate with community partners and farmers to enhance Breeze Farm’s educational events for local farmers.
• Grants & Board Support: Staff the Orange County Agricultural Grant Program, market the program, assist with the application process, and collect expenditure reports.
• Events Coordination: Provide leadership for the planning of the annual Orange County Agricultural Summit and other related programs.
• Local Food Coordinator (LFC): Serve as the primary county point of contact for local foods information and programs across all Extension Program Areas.
• Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation: Needs assessment, instructional delivery, capacity building, facilitation & leadership, collaboration & recruitment.

Requirements

• One of the following educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, or 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.
• Master’s degree in a field related to community development, economic development, agricultural business, public administration, planning, Extension education, or a closely related field, with 8 or more years of experience specifically within agricultural economic development, agribusiness development, community food systems, agricultural planning, or closely related positions.
• Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and time management skills.