Extension Agent, Ag-Field Crops (Assistant, Associate, 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. Check out this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MptxITpJ54&t=3s) 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 residence 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.

Sampson County is the second-largest county in North Carolina by land area and is home to roughly 204,000 acres of cropland and 882 Farms. Agriculture is the foundation of the local economy, with nearly half of the county's land in active production. Sampson County accounts for an estimated 22 percent of North Carolina's total agricultural commodities and generates more than $2.2 billion in annual farm cash receipts, according to the 2022 NC Department of Agriculture. The county ranks first in the state for overall agricultural output, with leading commodities that include field and horticultural crops, sweet potatoes, hogs, and turkeys.

Clinton serves as the county seat, and Sampson County is home to about 60,000 residents and 21,395 households. About one-quarter of the population is under the age of 18. The county sits in southeastern North Carolina between Raleigh and Wilmington, with convenient access to Interstate 40 and a short drive to Interstate 95. Sampson County offers a rural setting, a strong agricultural heritage, and a relaxed pace of life. More information about the county is available at www.sampsonnc.com

Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating a comprehensive Extension education program that supports row-crop producers and pesticide-licensing clientele in Sampson County. The agent is expected to maintain a strong, visible presence within the agricultural community and to build trusted, working relationships with producers, farm managers, consultants, and agribusiness professionals through regular on-farm engagement and responsive support.

The agent will provide research-based technical assistance through farm visits, field demonstrations, workshops, and applied research projects. Working closely with specialists from NC State University and NC A&T State University, the agent will establish, manage, and evaluate applied research and demonstration trials that address current production challenges and emerging issues affecting local producers.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Extension colleagues, commodity groups, county government, agribusinesses, and partner organizations to identify local needs, develop relevant educational programming, and effectively deliver information in both one-on-one and group settings. Clear, practical communication and the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for producers are essential.

This role requires strong organizational skills, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision. The agent is expected to document program impacts, evaluate outcomes, and adapt programming based on producer feedback and evolving production conditions.

Regular farm visits are a central responsibility of this position and are a primary method for staying connected to producer needs, monitoring crop conditions, and ensuring timely, relevant Extension programming across the county.

During periods of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes, this position may be assigned to staff Red Cross disaster shelters or support other emergency-response efforts to assist residents who have been displaced or impacted.

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 agronomy or related area of science is required.

Essential skills include presentation abilities; experience in outreach, public relations, or marketing; effective time management and organization; working knowledge of technology; and the ability to build professional networks and leverage resources.

Strong communication skills are required, including the ability to translate research-based information into practical recommendations that are understandable, relevant, and actionable for producers.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in production agriculture environments, including farms, shops, and fields, and be willing to engage producers where they are.

Strong subject knowledge in field crops is preferred, including corn, soybeans, tobacco, cotton, peanuts, small grains, and/or emerging crop systems.

Demonstrated experience working directly with agricultural producers, including on-farm problem diagnosis, applied decision support, or field-based research, is strongly preferred.

Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required and must be maintained.

In order to operate a state or county vehicle, a valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.

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.