Extension Agent FCS

Primary Purpose of Position

The Family and Consumer Science Agent – Farmers Market and Local Food Systems will play a pivotal role in enhancing the vibrancy and impact of local farmers markets and strengthening the broader local food system within Vance and Warren Counties. This position will focus on community engagement, education and outreach, providing technical assistance, building community capacity, and fostering collaboration to improve access to healthy, locally sourced food, promote sustainable practices, and stimulate economic opportunities for local producers. The Agent will work closely with farmers, farmers market manager, consumers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a thriving local food environment.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Cooperative Extension 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 researched-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, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

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. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation. Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

Minimum 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 from an accredited university in a related field
• Work experience in Extension or working/teaching in diverse communities, with an understanding that a Master's degree will be pursued
• Valid Driver's license and personal transportation
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities
• Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain the working relationships
• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field
• Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities
• Experience working effectively as a team member
• Ability to manage time and resources
• Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing and presentations
• Skills in leadership, budgeting and public relations

Required License or Certification

NC Driver's License

Work Arrangement

On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)

Pay

Recruitment Salary Range: Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000

Schedule

40 hours/week, 12 months, Full-time

Benefits

Employee Benefits available to NC A&T permanent employees include the following and more:

• 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

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.