Extension Agent, Ag - Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent

Extension Agent, Ag
- Livestock and Forages (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

Position Information

Posting Number - PG190879CE

Position Number - NC-

Position Type - NC Cooperative Extension

Job City & State
- Lexington, NC

Department
- Davidson County Extension

Working Title
- Extension Agent, Ag
- Livestock and Forages (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. 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, and Wolf Perks!

Primary Purpose of Position

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications. This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: livestock production, forage production, pasture management, animal nutrition, and animal waste management systems.

Beef cattle will be the primary species of focus, and the position will provide leadership to the Davidson County Cattlemen's Association. The position also supports and assists the 4-H agent with youth livestock education programs, shows, and related events. In addition, the position will provide leadership and supervision of livestock shows held during the annual Davidson County fair.

The position will represent Cooperative Extension by serving as an advisor to the Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) board. This will include keeping the VAD ordinance for Davidson County current and in line with the State of NC ordinance, and following the proper channels to make changes to the ordinance official.

The person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele, is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage target audiences, and who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

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 residents.

The Livestock Agent will serve Davidson County, a county that is considered urban by its population, exceeding 165,000 residents, but functions as a rural county. Beyond the highway corridors and cities, you will find 73,655 acres of farmland. The latest USDA Ag Census in 2022 documents Davidson County, NC's production of $74,454,000 in annual agricultural products sold, with 79.7% of the sales coming from animal products.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player with the Davidson County Extension staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently. This person should be able to:

• Develop and maintain organized programs that follow NC Cooperative Extension, county, and national laws, policies, and guidelines. This includes the Voluntary Agricultural District program.
• Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the agriculture program and services on a regular basis.
• Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies, and community organizations to meet the needs of the agriculture community.
• Network with agents, specialists, and local agriculture producers to plan and implement innovative field days/educational programs.
• Promote Agriculture within the county.
• Be part of the Cooperative Extension team, making sure the office is staffed, and be respectful to fellow team members.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural…