Position Information
| Posting Number |
PG190873CE |
| Position Number |
NC-00002686-0726 |
| Position Type |
NC Cooperative Extension |
Department Information
| Job City & State |
Hillsborough, NC |
| Department |
Orange County Extension |
System Information
| Working Title |
Extension Agent, Community & Rural Development, and Local Food Coordinator (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent) |
| Appointment |
12 Month Recurring |
| Job Type |
Full-Time - Permanent |
| FTE |
1.0 |
Position Overview
| Essential Job Duties |
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.
No two days in Extension are ever the same; there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!
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.
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Primary Function of Organizational Unit
NC Cooperative Extension is the educational outreach arm of the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, in collaboration with NC A&T State University. The two Land-Grant institutions provide research-based information, programming, and technical assistance to all North Carolina residents, addressing a range of issues in four programmatic areas - Agriculture & Natural Resources; Family & Consumer Sciences; Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, Cooperative Extension is able to bring a wide variety of resources to all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Orange County is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina in the North Central Extension District. For more information about Orange County, visit the County website at https://www.orangecountync.gov/ and the Cooperative Extension website at
https://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/.
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Duties And Responsibilities
Agricultural Economic Development and Farm Management
- Farmer Support & Consultations: Conduct farm visits and consultations with aspiring, new, and established farmers, as well as landowners. Assist them in navigating land policies, present-use value (PUV), bona fide farm status, and agricultural revenue diversification.
- W.C. Breeze Farm Operations: Oversee operations at the W.C. Breeze Farm by coordinating all farm finances, recruiting and supporting incubator farmers, and providing connections to technical support. Assure/ Manage farm upkeep and maintenance in collaboration with the Breeze Farm Site Manager, including tasks such as mowing and scheduling repairs. Supervise the part-time Breeze Farm site manager, which includes conducting regular staff meetings and evaluations. Up to 20% of time each week in this position is focused on Breeze Farm operations.
- On-Farm Education: Collaborate with community partners and farmers to enhance Breeze Farm's capacity to conduct on-farm trials, demonstrations, field days, and other educational events for the benefit of local farmers.
- Grants & Board Support: Staff the Orange County Agricultural Grant Program in partnership with the Orange County Economic Development office. Responsibilities include marketing the program, consulting with and assisting potential applicants with the application process, reviewing applications to provide feedback to the evaluation committee, and assisting with the collection of the required expenditure report requirements as needed. Serve as a staff liaison to the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board.
- Events Coordination: Provide leadership for the planning of the annual Orange County Agricultural Summit and other related programs aligned with area expertise.
Local Food Coordinator (LFC)
Serve as the primary county point of contact for local foods information and programs across all Extension Program Areas:
- Youth & Consumers: Educate youth on agriculture and healthy eating, connect local foods into schools, and provide consumers with resources on growing, purchasing, and preparing healthy, local food choices safely.
- Producers & Markets: Train farmers and fishers on growing for, marketing to, and selling safe products to local markets. Assist businesses (retailers, restaurants, distributors, food hubs, farmers' markets) in sourcing local foods and understanding food safety.
- Policy & Literacy: Provide research-based local food information to policy-makers, and enhance agricultural literacy, fresh food safety, and nutrition education for all residents.
- System Integration: Encourage cross-program projects to fit a broader local food system context, engage community partners in project design, and support the NC 10% Campaign and other statewide Extension programs.
Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation
- Needs Assessment: Determine community program needs and priorities by conducting assessments and evaluating data collected from multiple sources, including advisory council members, county residents, and program participants.
- Instructional Delivery: Organize, communicate, and deliver evidence-based course materials in both formal and informal instructional settings.
- Capacity Building: Train clients, landowners, farmers, food system members, and community leaders to access resources, take action as informed citizens, and increase community voice in civic engagement, public decision-making, governance, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship.
- Facilitation & Leadership: Provide leadership development for community and food system leaders, including training in public engagement and group facilitation.
- Collaboration & Recruitment: Partner with county, regional, and community-based agriculture and food system organizations to deliver programs, maximize community assets, and actively recruit program participants.
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| Primary Function of Organizational Unit |
* |
Other Duties and Responsibilities
| Duties and Responsibilities |
* |
| Other Work/Responsibilities |
Other/Work Responsibilities
- Reporting: Provide regular contributions to the Extension Reporting System and periodic updates (annual at a minimum) on local foods activities to County Extension Director (CEDs), Orange County Extension Advisory Council, CRD program advisory council, and to elected leaders to support regional/state knowledge sharing, goal-setting, and identification of training needs or replicable programs.
- Digital Communication: Periodically coordinate updates to the county Extension website's Local Foods page and calendar, tagging items appropriately for the statewide Local Foods web portal and Events calendar.
- Professional Development: Participate in professional development training on local food systems and agricultural economic development topics each year.
- Collaboration: Coordinate with other County departments (e.g., Planning & Inspections, Health Department, Sustainability Coordinator) and committees on relevant projects to support agricultural economic development, farmland preservation, and community development.
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Supervisory
| Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises |
1 |
| Percent of Time Spent |
10% |
Requirements and Preferences
| Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key |
Not Applicable |
| Work Schedule |
Monday - Friday- 8 AM - 5 PM Business Hours. Evenings and Weekends as needed. |
| 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 agribusiness 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 agribusiness or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in agribusiness 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. The County Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at 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 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. |
| Department Required Skills |
Required Skills
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, presentation skills, and public relations capabilities.
- Interpersonal & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to network, interact, and maintain productive working relationships with a variety of populations, community partners, and agencies.
- Technical Proficiency: Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Google Suite.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to handle multiple demands, manage time, and prioritize tasks effectively. Ability to effectively organize seminars and other small to large educational events.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal land, tax, economic development, and planning policies that directly impact the local food system, landowners, and economic development.
|
| Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education |
Preferred Years of Experience/Skills/Training/Education
- Master's degree in a field related to community development, economic development, agricultural business, public administration, planning, Extension education, or a closely related field, with 8 or more years of experience specifically within agricultural economic development, agribusiness development, community food systems, agricultural planning, or closely related positions.
- Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and time management skills, along with a preferred background in organization, networking, technology, resource development, public relations, and mass media communication or marketing.
- Work experience in Extension or working/teaching in industry-related settings is expected, with an explicit understanding that a Master's Degree will be pursued if the selected applicant does not yet have a Master's Degree when hired.
|
| Required License or Certification |
N/A |
| Valid NC Driver's License required? |
Yes |
| Commercial Driver's License Required? |
No |
| Physical Required? |
No |
| List any other medical/drug tests required |
|
Recruitment Details
| Anticipated Hiring Range |
Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 |
| Internal Transfer Only |
No |
Applicant Information
| Quick Link |
https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/232461 |
| EEO |
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. |
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North Carolina State University
Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000
paid time off
Jul 16, 2026