Extension Agent, Ag - Small Farms and Local Foods (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. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

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

The agent in this position will have educational responsibilities in all aspects of agriculture, with a focus on small farms and local foods. The successful candidate must be able to conduct educational programs that focus on the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina agriculture, utilizing research-based best practices, including the adoption of proven technologies, business, and financial practices. This position will operate in both urban and traditional agricultural environments and will serve small to medium-sized farms. The agent will be able to work with farmers focused on crops ranging from niche market gardens to conventional livestock and field crops.

The agent will support the work of the Durham County Farm Campus, working closely with the Extension Agriculture Team and Farm Manager to further develop the campus and provide impactful agricultural programming. Located in northern Durham County, the Farm Campus is a 129-acre property that includes large tracts of farm fields, four ponds, and a forest, and is being developed for a farming education space as well as for outdoor recreation opportunities.

With Durham County's established traditional agriculture and a thriving local foods movement, this position offers an opportunity to support farmers and the local community at every point in the food system.

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

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 citizens.

Durham County is located in central North Carolina and in 2025 reported a population of an estimated 347,240 residents. The county is home to Durham, the 4th largest city in North Carolina, along with Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and Durham Technical Community College. Durham County includes both urban and rural areas with a growing interest in local foods, and has 18,603 acres in farms. The popularity of North Carolina products is encouraging to traditional agriculture as well as fueling new agricultural operations. The 2017 USDA census states there are 241 farms with an average farm size of 77 acres, while other current 2022 data indicates there are more than 300 farms. Many Durham County farms are well below 77 acres, with market gardens, small livestock, and niche and emerging crop operations flourishing. In 2019 alone, over $10 million in total agricultural products were sold, a 7% increase from 2012.

For more information on the county's population, government, economic base, and history, please visit https://dconc.gov/PublicSite/About/Local-Resources and https://www.discoverdurham.com/

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Duties and Responsibilities

As part of the Durham County Cooperative Extension Agriculture Team, this position provides leadership for the development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of Durham County in all areas of agriculture, particularly small farms and local foods, to influence economic viability and promote sustainable farming practices.

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The agent will be expected to deliver educational programming using a range of approaches and media, including but not limited to classes, field days, site visits, phone calls, email, and other virtual methods of communication.

The agent will represent N.C. Cooperative Extension and build relationships with stakeholders and community groups to strengthen an effective agriculture program and increase the profile of agriculture across the county.

The agent will serve as the Local Foods Coordinator, fostering connections between farms and the local community to improve the local food system for Durham County residents.

This position will be expected to develop and implement programming to help producers understand and follow all appropriate FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) guidelines, as well as support producers pursuing GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification.

This position will operate as part of a collaborative team with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to obtain and maintain their licenses.

This position will support the ongoing development of the Durham County Farm Campus, working closely with the Farm Manager and Extension Agriculture Team to further develop the campus and provide impactful agricultural programming.

This position will work with the agriculture agent for livestock to manage livestock educational services.

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 crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.

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 is desired.

High levels of computer competency and interpersonal communication skills are desired, as well as experience teaching, leading, and organizing activities with diverse members of the population. A proven ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently, is highly 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.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.