Extension Agent - CRD

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks.

About the Role

The focus area of the Cabarrus County CRD Agent will be Community Food Systems. This agent will take the lead in county and community programs and initiatives aimed at maintaining and strengthening the local food system through multiple perspectives. The role will primarily concentrate on consumers, businesses, markets, and policymakers, ensuring that the specific needs of Cabarrus County are addressed. These needs will be identified through periodic community assessments, with strategies adjusted accordingly.

The primary objective of this position is to connect local community members with local food sources by supporting local growers, producers, stores, markets, pantries, and food banks. Additional support for these entities may involve identifying grants and funding opportunities. Furthermore, the role includes increasing residents’ access to affordable, locally-grown food by implementing and sustaining in Cabarrus County markets and other related programs. This will be accomplished through collaboration with external organizations, the enhancement of existing programs, and the development of new initiatives.

About the Organization

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism.

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides research-based educational information, programming, and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and county governments – a dynamic and resourceful system is formed.

Cabarrus County is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 225,804, comprising six municipalities and twelve zip codes with the largest city, Concord, being the county seat. With a current rate of 10% food insecurity, 25,000 residents who live in food deserts, and 27,000 who receive food benefits, there is a significant need for assistance in accessing fresh, nutritious food in the county.

Responsibilities

• Lead county and community programs and initiatives focused on strengthening the local food system.
• Address the needs of consumers, businesses, markets, and policymakers through periodic community assessments.
• Connect local community members with local food sources by supporting growers, producers, stores, markets, pantries, and food banks.
• Identify grants and funding opportunities to support local food entities.
• Increase residents’ access to affordable, locally-grown food through collaboration with external organizations and development of new initiatives.
• Plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs.
• Work as a team member to support a total Extension program.
• Handle multiple demands and set priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in the major field of study (based on a 4.0 scale), or completion of a Master’s degree.
• Personal automobile and valid driver’s license.
• Computer literacy.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs.
• Willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree is preferred for this position.

Benefits

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b, and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount

Pay

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

Schedule

This position is on-site. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.