Area Specialized Agent-Small Farm Production (Lenoir County)

The Area Specialized Agent will collaborate with North Carolina small farmers and Extension Agents across the multi-county areas to assess and address the needs of limited-resource farmers. The successful candidate will work with commodity-oriented teams of research and extension specialists to develop and lead a nationally recognized extension and applied research program focused on small farm production in the region.

Key responsibilities include creating educational materials and programs for limited-resource populations and new and beginning farmers. The applied research program will tackle practical issues facing small farmers in North Carolina and align with the mission of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. This role aims to enhance the quality of life and income for small farming families through the adoption of appropriate technology, alternative enterprises, improved production for local markets, farm management, record-keeping, and diversified marketing strategies.

The position will be based in the Lenoir County Extension office and will require collaboration with other agents in that office and surrounding counties (Wayne, Duplin, Craven, Jones, Onslow, Pamlico, and Carteret)

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming, and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas - Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners - North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in nearly half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In North Carolina new farm enterprises are emerging that are dependent on the local market for income. Some of these diverse enterprises may include vegetables, fruit, grass-fed beef, pork, poultry, aquaculture, small scale timber, and specialty crops. Farmers markets, community supported agriculture and some restaurants place a higher value on locally produced products. Small Farm Production and Marketing initiatives are offering tailored guidance on sustainable production practices, crop management, and resource optimization to help small farmers increase their productivity and efficiency. Area Specialized Agents will lead workshops, seminars, and field days focused on small farm production and marketing, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and best practices.

* Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required; for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.
* A Master's degree from an accredited university in agricultural education, extension education, agricultural science, horticulture, animal sciences, or a related field is required.
* The ability to work independently without direct supervision.
* The ability to work and interact with diverse populations.
* The ability to lead applied research.
* Skills in leadership, communication, networking, budgeting, and public relations.
* Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
* Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

* Expertise in one of several subjects as they relate to small scale agriculture production, marketing, Specialty Crops & Vegetables, Season Extension (High Tunnels), Community development, Integrated Pest Management, Livestock (swine, poultry, and ruminants.)
* Experience of direct marketing of agricultural products.
* Experience with applied research on farm plots.
* Experience writing and administering grants.
* At least five years of extension experience working with small farms, socially disadvantaged small farmers and ranchers, and limited resource clients.
* Experience planning virtual and face to face programs.
* Experience and knowledge of mass media, marketing, and presentations

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;