Extension Agent, Consumer Horticulture (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

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.

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!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

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.

Wilson County is a great place to live and work. The county offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, boating, golfing, antiquing, and exploring historic sites. Buckhorn Lake spans 2,183 acres of water and 1,850 acres of land and is a popular destination for triathlons, boat racing, and other outdoor activities.

The City of Wilson has a vibrant and welcoming community. Its award-winning revitalized downtown features festivals, outdoor concerts, historic walking tours, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Wilson is also known for its outstanding soccer and baseball facilities.

The county is home to Barton College, a fully accredited, private four-year liberal arts institution, as well as Wilson Community College, which offers a wide range of educational and college transfer programs.

To learn more about Wilson County, visit: Wilson County Government. To learn more about Cooperative Extension in Wilson County, visit: NC Cooperative Extension - Wilson County Center.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Extension Agent, Consumer Horticulture is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating an outcome-based educational program addressing priority issues in Wilson County. This position requires technical expertise in consumer horticulture as well as the ability to design and deliver educational programs that meet community needs.

Key responsibilities include:

* Recruiting, training, and managing Extension Master Gardener volunteers and other community volunteers to expand outreach efforts.

* Developing and working with stakeholder-based committees and boards to provide input and direction for Extension programs.

* Building partnerships with community organizations to connect local resources with Extension programming.

This position also provides leadership for the Wilson Botanical Gardens (WBG), a 10-acre site located at the Wilson County Agricultural Center. The WBG serves Wilson and surrounding communities by promoting tourism, supporting economic growth, and providing more than 30,000 annual visitors with educational opportunities in horticulture, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

The gardens feature an arboretum, mixed plantings, medicinal and culinary herbs, native plants, annuals and perennials, and hostas. Additional highlights include a greenhouse, compost demonstration area, pondside garden, Children's Secret Garden, STEM interactive garden, and ongoing blackberry and basil research trials. Widely recognized as a regional attraction, the WBG is ranked by Tripadvisor as the third most popular destination in Wilson and has been highlighted by the Raleigh News & Observer, WRAL, Tar Heel Traveler, and other media outlets.

The Extension Agent will provide oversight for the part-time WBG technician, who supports the daily care and maintenance of the gardens. This hands-on role is critical to ensuring the gardens remain a safe, functional, and beautiful destination for all visitors.

In addition to horticulture and WBG leadership responsibilities, the agent will also support forestry programming in Wilson County.

The Extension Agent - Consumer Horticulture works with a variety of local groups and organizations to support educational programming and encourage community involvement. Collaboration with other Extension program areas is expected to strengthen the overall county Extension program.

The successful applicant must be self-directed and demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. A clear plan and commitment to engaging diverse populations in programming is required. Experience in grant writing and event or project management is essential.

Strong computer, organizational, interpersonal, and networking skills are critical for success in this role. The ability to effectively deliver information through mass media, social media, and other outreach platforms is also expected.

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.

Travel within the county and district required. Travel is reimbursed according to state guidelines.

A Bachelor's degree and academic training in horticulture or a closed-related field is preferred; a master's degree is preferred. Knowledge of turf, shrubs and trees adapted to the coastal region of the southeastern United States and typical insect, disease and cultural problems is desirable. Volunteer management and project management skills and experience will be necessary for success in this position. An appetite for public outreach and service to the community is needed.

Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required and must be maintained. In order to operate a state vehicle, a valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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.