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Extension Agent, Ag: North Carolina State University

Minimum Experience/Education: 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,
- A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average less than 2.5 overall 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.

Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the County Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication.

Departmental Required Skills: Randolph County is still a rural county. However, the County is growing in population, estimated over 140,000. It is geographically the center of the state, located within an easy drive of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Charlotte. Randolph County is home to the NC Zoological Park, Seagrove Pottery, Richard Petty racing team, beautiful landscapes and a diverse economic base. The County Seat for this growing area is Asheboro.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education: A Bachelor's degree in animal science, animal production or a closely related agricultural field is required. Degrees related to livestock or animal sciences are highly preferred. Some course work or background in field crops is also desirable. A Master's Degree in a related field is preferred.

Essential Job Duties: The primary focus of this position is working with livestock producers and crop farmers in Randolph County. There are 1,501 farms in Randolph County with over 147,000 acres of farmland and 43,460 acres of harvested cropland. Cash receipts for livestock and crops were $190 million and $17 million, respectively. Randolph County ranked 2nd in North Carolina in beef animals and is 9th in the North Carolina in Agricultural income. In addition, approximately 3,780 horses are in Randolph County. The County also has a large Livestock and Poultry Association.

The Livestock Agent must be able to develop innovative, informal educational programs for farmers, farm families, and related organizations and businesses. Programs should be designed to enhance profitability and economic viability of the agricultural economy.

The agent will be responsible for providing leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating and marketing educational programs and activities with measurable impacts in the areas of:
Livestock production and management, Animal Waste management, Field Crop production, (i.e. small grains, soybeans, corn), Pasture and forage management,
Equine management, 4-H and Youth Livestock and field crop programming, Pesticide education, integrated pest management, alternative farm enterprises and business management.

Programs should address current and future agricultural production and natural resource issues and challenges especially related to the rural-urban interface.

Extension agents should cooperate with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The candidate must be able to network with diverse audiences such as agribusiness leaders, county government, and other agencies such as Farm Service Agency and the Soil & Water Conservation District. In addition, the agent will work closely with the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association.

The agent must be a team player and support the total Extension program through interdisciplinary efforts with extension specialists, local staff, customers and volunteers. Program marketing through mass media is essential. The candidate should possess a high degree of subject matter competency, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently and handle multiple demands, and set priorities.

Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. An eagerness and willingness to learn and expand expertise and subject matter base.

Travel within district is required.

Other Work/Responsibilities: The County Extension Agent is a member of the faculty of North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications: Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required.
Valid NCDL required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

AA/EEO
NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation.

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