Extension Program Assistant-Agriculture

About the Role

NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. This position is a full-time (.94 FTE), 37.5-hour per week position based in Hendersonville, NC. The Ag Program Assistant's primary responsibility is to provide support to the Extension staff where assigned, cooperating with colleagues in the NCCE and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to extension agricultural staff in the execution of their programs both in the office, the field and the classroom.
• Works with tree fruit, vegetable, small fruit, ornamental and livestock programs as needed.
• Helps to organize, establish, maintain, and collect data from various on-farm trials.
• Compiles and summarizes data from trials; prepares and completes a variety of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Reviews and verifies records and reports to ensure required information is complete and accurate.
• Searches for research-based information relative to assignments or programs using online reference libraries, internet searches, office files and reference manuals.
• Helps prepare for events which may include workshops, conferences, production meetings, field days, classes, and advisory committee meetings.
• Participates in the Master Gardener Program as requested by the Consumer Horticulture agent. This may include teaching classes, organizing volunteers and helping with management of the Bountiful Harvest Community Garden and other community gardens.
• Works with the Master Pomology program and Extension Apple Variety Block at the instruction of the Tree Fruit Agent.
• May serve as a program liaison for the Agents or as a representative for the programs as requested.

Requirements

• High-school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and teamwork ability.
• The ability to work on issues and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be highly motivated and innovative. Must be a good team member and support and develop a positive work environment.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation required and must be maintained.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Spanish both written and oral would be an asset but not required.
• Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and set priorities.
• Possess strong work ethic with skills in communications, networking, and public relations.
• Ability to work and interact with the population.
• Excellent time and resource management skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work well with people.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with people outside of the organization, representing the organization to clientele, the public, government, and other external sources.
• Travel connected with official duties may be required. Must have willingness to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends).
• The position requires lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently with or without reasonable accommodations. The job also requires sustained periods of standing and sitting and occasional periods of kneeling, stooping and reaching. The job occasionally requires exposure to extreme heat and humidity and exposure to the sun.

Pay

$35,000-$38,000

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:30am–5pm business hours, with occasional flex hours to attend night and/or weekend events and to support agricultural programs.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!