Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Augusta County

About the position

The Augusta Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent position is housed in the Augusta Unit Office and serves Rockingham, Augusta and Rockbridge in the lower Shenandoah Valley. This position is focused on Crop and Soil Science and will work with a broad range of subject matter related to this. Augusta and Rockingham are the top two counties in gross farm income in Virginia. The agent in this position will work on soil health and sustainability, environmental protection, pest management, production methods and profitability as well as other local issues. Extension agents recognize the importance of developing and delivering Extension programs that serve a broad range of communities, actively working to expand program participation and adhering to VCE's civil rights policies to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

Responsibilities

• Work on soil health and sustainability, environmental protection, pest management, production methods and profitability.
• Develop and deliver Extension programs that serve a broad range of communities.
• Expand program participation and adhere to VCE's civil rights policies.
• Recruit, select, train and manage volunteers.
• Lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs.
• Utilize computer technology in educational programming and management.
• Work effectively with low income, limited resource and broad audiences.
• Travel to provide in-person leadership and build community partnerships.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university.
• A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a team-oriented mindset.

Nice-to-haves

• A master's degree is preferred.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Participation in university shared governance.