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

· WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. 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.

Area Specialized Agribusiness Agents (ASAs) are primarily responsible for developing, planning, executing, and evaluating multi-county Agribusiness extension programs in Western North Carolina EMFS-focused projects. Support for this Area Specialized Agent position comes from a grant led by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) program in collaboration with NC State Cooperative Extension and various regional community stakeholders. Thus, this position will work closely with the EMFS team and colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, including county agents, campus faculty, industry clients, and county leaders in successfully delivering a comprehensive, responsive, and successful Extension program.

ASA positions will reflect a blend of specialist and agent responsibilities. As such, they will be accountable to the West District Extension Director and closely collaborate with the CEFS Director and EMFS Project Director to accomplish the grant expectations and activities. They are expected to provide leadership, participate on program teams, and partner with industry, other government agencies, and clientele groups. This position is fully funded by an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant led by the CEFS Director and the EMFS Project Director and, as such, will focus primarily on EMFS and grant tasks in the twelve counties and EBCI farmers in Cherokee and Graham Counties and within the Qualla Boundary.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
NC State Extension at North Carolina State University is a well-respected leader in providing experiential learning to NC citizens in the areas of agriculture, food, and youth development. The Area Specialized Agent (ASA) is primarily responsible for planning, developing, executing, evaluating and reporting the impacts of high-quality research-based extension programs in a specific content area over a designated multi-county area. The Area Specialized Agent works collaboratively with county agents and Extension/research faculty from NC State University, as well as industry clients, county leaders, and other partners. The expectations and job performance is governed by the

philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative

Extension. The Area Specialized Agent is eligible to be a member of the field faculty

(non-tenure track) of North Carolina State University.

The ASA position will:

• Plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate a comprehensive educational program in the

specialized subject matter topic, which incorporates emerging and advanced business development practices for clients

• Plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate organized educational events (in-person/online

workshops, conferences, seminars, short courses etc.) and materials (fact sheets,

publications, etc.) as needed for various audiences within the supply chain environment.

• Collaborate with other agencies, businesses and organizations to enhance the content

and delivery of agribusiness programming and individual business coaching.

• Establish themselves as an expert resource and point-of-contact for advanced

clientele, area Extension Centers, industry-related businesses and governmental or non

profit agencies;

• Work cooperatively to facilitate area Extension programs for Extension agents and

clientele to enhance research and knowledge transfer within the area.

• Collaborate with Extension/research faculty and specialists to conduct research and

demonstrations and to facilitate research information transfer to the industry and

interested citizens;

• Frequent travel within the assigned area is required, including some overnight travel.

• The candidate must possess a high degree of subject matter competency and stay

current on new and trending developments within their specialization.

• The candidate must be a self-starter and self-directed.

• Reporting and evaluation of area-wide programs and impacts is required.

The minimum requirement for employment as an Area Specialized Agent (ASA) with North Carolina Cooperative Extension is either (i) a Master’s degree in an area related to the agent’s assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of three (3) years of Extension or education-related or industry-related experience in the relevant field, or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree in an area related to the assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of seven (7) years of Extension, education-related or industry-related experience in the area of specialization.

Candidates shall also have demonstrated skills and abilities in program development and evaluation, and subject matter expertise in the area of specialization. Preference for research experience, including the ability or demonstrated experience in facilitating field research in the area of specialization, as well as history of successfully obtaining or capacity to obtain grant funds to support research and extension work in the area of specialization.

Candidates must have proven personal effectiveness skills, including excellent interpersonal communication, team building, and problem solving skills and the ability to provide leadership to an educational program area by working successfully with agents and professors/specialists as well as industry clients in their subject matter area.

Ability to work extra hours and weekends is required.

Person must provide their own dependable, personal vehicle and have the ability to travel independently in the assigned geographical area.

The minimum requirement for employment as an Area Specialized Agent (ASA) with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is either (i) a Master’s degree in business or marketing and a minimum of two (2) years of outreach or field experience in business coaching or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing and a minimum of five (5) years of outreach or field experience in business coaching.

Candidates shall also have demonstrated skills and abilities in program development, and program evaluation, and possess subject matter expertise in the area of local food systems and supply chain awareness. Preference is also for the ability or demonstrated experience teaching business development in the agriculture sector.

The successful candidate must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

● The ability to handle multiple work demands and set priorities;

● Working independently with limited daily supervision, while simultaneously being connected with the program team, campus specialists and county offices being served;

● The ability to plan, implement, market and evaluate exceptional research-based educational programs;

● Willingness to be a team player in support of overall EMFS program through interdisciplinary efforts with project partners, Extension specialists, local Extension staff, farmers and food businesses.

● Demonstrated good and positive public and personal relationship skills;

● Be adept in both public and interpersonal communications;

An enthusiastic team member, ready to jump in when and where necessary

See above.

Valid Driver’s License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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.