Area Agent, Livestock (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

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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.

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The Area Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Perquimans and other primary counties - Chowan, Gates and Pasquotank. Secondary support will be provided as needed to Hertford, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Hyde, Beaufort, Dare, Camden, and Currituck. This position will demand a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with a broad background of knowledge in animal agriculture including, but not limited to swine, cattle: beef and dairy, lambs, goats, poultry and horses. Livestock production in Perquimans is diverse and includes cow-calf operations, contract hog operations, and poultry operations which provides 29% and 36% respectively in agricultural cash receipts. This position works closely with the 4-H programs to provide the leadership for several highly successful 4-H youth livestock programs.

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.

The Livestock Area Agent will serve four primary northeastern North Carolina counties-Perquimans County, Chowan County, Gates County, and Pasquotank County-a region anchored by rural farming communities and a mix of crop, livestock, and poultry production. Perquimans County has about 13,500 residents, with 137 farms encompassing roughly 78,264 acres (average farm size ~571 acres), producing crops and maintaining livestock and poultry operations, including more than 1.19 million broilers and over 300 head of cattle as of 2022.

In Chowan County ( 13,700-13,900 residents), there are 134 farms covering about 73,439 acres (average ~548 acres per farm), with agriculture dominated by crop production but with some livestock and poultry-making it well-suited for forage and integrated crop-livestock programs.

Gates County, with roughly 122 farms and about 71,866 acres of farmland (average ~589 acres per farm), has one of the strongest livestock footprints in the region: in 2022 producers reported over 2.0 million broilers, around 1,469 cattle and calves, and more than 20,000 hogs/pigs.

Pasquotank County, somewhat more populated ( 41,500 residents), has 133 farms covering about 95,870 acres (average ~721 acres per farm). Agriculture here is overwhelmingly crop-oriented (crops account for ~97% of ag sales), though cattle ( 322 head) and other livestock remain present. The larger population base and presence of the city of Elizabeth City create good potential for outreach, youth programming, and recruitment of new or beginning farmers and small niche livestock farmers.

In this four-county region, the Agent will therefore engage a diverse agricultural community-ranging from contract poultry growers and small beef or hog producers to crop-livestock mixed farms and potential new farmers. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock poultry production and biosecurity education, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing extension leadership to the Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show and the Chowan 4-H Livestock Show. These shows have more than 200 animals and over 175 youth. The Livestock Agent will also work closely with the local cattlemen's association and be a part of the Northeast District Livestock Team.

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 targeted audiences; and, who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

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: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems and leadership to the 4-H & youth livestock programs.

The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Perquimans, Gates, Chowan and Pasquotank 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:

Responsibilities of this position will include the development of educational programs in animal agriculture, 4-H youth livestock, equine, forages, waste management, farm safety, poultry and dairy education. An office is provided in Perquimans County.

Additional responsibilities include partnering with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed.

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 the job 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 the job related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in the job related field.

A Bachelor's degree in an agricultural or related field. Some travel within the district and state is required . Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

A Bachelor's degree in the area of Animal Science or related area of science is preferred.

Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking and resource development are also preferred.

Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire 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.

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