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Temporary Assistant Extension Agent, Horticulture

Job Description

Posting Number

PG190786CE

Position Number

TPNCCE-117125

Position Type

NC Cooperative Extension (EPS)

Job City & State

Spindale, NC

Department

NC Cooperative Extension - Rutherford

Working Title

Temporary Assistant Extension Agent, Horticulture

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Job Type

Part-Time - Temporary

FTE

.73

Essential Job Duties

This is a temporary position.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.
What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

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.

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.

Overview of the Position
The agent in this position will provide leadership, educational programming, and technical support in the areas of consumer horticulture, pesticide recertification, Master Gardener volunteer development, and local food systems. This position will engage various audiences, including homeowners, commercial horticulture producers, community organizations, and volunteers, with the goal of strengthening community knowledge, supporting sustainable practices, and promoting access to local foods.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Consumer Horticulture
  • Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs on lawn, garden, landscape, and urban horticulture topics.
  • Provide timely, research-based recommendations to homeowners, community groups, and local organizations.
  • Collaborate with Extension specialists and peers to address emerging issues in horticulture and plant health.

Pesticide Education & Recertification
  • Organize and teach pesticide safety education programs to support applicator certification and recertification.
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations by maintaining accurate program records and evaluation data.
  • Serve as a local resource for safe and effective pesticide use, integrated pest management (IPM), and environmental stewardship.

Master Gardener Volunteer Program
  • Recruit, train, and manage Master Gardener volunteers to extend Extension’s outreach in the community.
  • Provide ongoing leadership and educational support to volunteers through workshops, continuing education, and recognition programs.
  • Coordinate volunteer efforts in demonstration gardens, youth programs, community beautification, and educational events.

Local Food Systems
  • Support development of local food networks by connecting growers, markets, consumers, and community partners.
  • Promote sustainable production practices, food safety, and farm-to-table initiatives.
  • Collaborate with county and regional partners to enhance access to healthy, affordable, and locally produced foods.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises

0

Percent of Time Spent

N/A

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key

Not Applicable

Work Schedule

29 hours per week, Monday-Friday during business hours. Occasional evening & weekend work.

Minimum Experience/Education

A Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural related field is required; Master’s degree preferred. The Temporary County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The Temporary 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

  • Demonstrated knowledge of consumer horticulture and pesticide safety practices.
  • Strong communication and teaching skills for various audiences.
  • Experience working with volunteers and/or community-based programs.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

N/A

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Physical Required?

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19/Hour Minimum, commensurate with experience

Internal Transfer Only

No

Job Open Date

10/03/2025

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/223689

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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