Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? 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. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!
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Primary Purpose of Position

This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems, pond management, and leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program.

The person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele, is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage target audiences, and who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina residents.

The Livestock Agent will serve Surry County - a county anchored by rural farming communities and a mix of crop, livestock, and poultry production. Surry County has close to 71,500 residents encompassing roughly 105,791 acres (average farm size ~113 acres), producing crops and maintaining livestock and poultry operations, including 7.8 million-layer chickens. We are the 8th largest producer of beef cows and the 5th largest producer of sheep, goats, wool, mohair, and milk in North Carolina.

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Surry staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently.

This person should be able to:

The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural community, ranging from contract poultry growers, beef producers, sheep producers, and goat producers to crop-livestock mixed farms and potential new farmers. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock poultry production and biosecurity education, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing extension leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program in Surry County. The Livestock Agent will work closely with the local cattlemen's association and partner with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS, and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed.

This position will work with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational pesticide training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to maintain their licenses.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field.

A bachelor's degree in animal science, crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.

Experience working with a wide variety of livestock and crops.

Travel within the county and occasional travel outside the county/district is also required.

A Master's degree is preferred.

Extension or other professional experience, including a high level of computer competency, is desired.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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