Description:

Provides educational leadership in the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of research based, integrative statewide Extension programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences. Delivers training and educational support materials for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agents, technicians and their clientele/customers in urban agriculture (sustainable agriculture and food systems), consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. This position works both individually and collaboratively to plan, deliver, and assess the effectiveness of Extension programs relating to urban agriculture (sustainable agriculture & food systems) with a primary focus on addressing the historical and current inequities that impact these systems. Secures external research funding for programs to engage underserved and limited-resource audiences in the revitalization and profitability of small farms.

This position provides: 1) innovative leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating statewide educational programs that address the needs of small, part-time, and limited resource farm audience related to urban agriculture (sustainable agriculture & food systems); 2) leadership in identifying and conducting staff development opportunities, training and technical assistance in hydroponic and alternative agriculture production techniques and related areas for Extension professionals, paraprofessionals and non-Extension persons; 3) program accomplishment reports to share with internal and external audiences and assist with marketing the organization and its impacts; 4) collaboration with College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (CAES) faculty, other Extension specialists, and research scientists to develop relevant research-based hydroponic and alternative agriculture production technique program initiatives; and 5) actively promotes diversity within Extension programs and with audiences. The Urban Agriculture Production Specialist reports to the Assistant Administrator – Agriculture and Natural Resources of Cooperative Extension.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

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, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and county governments – Extension at A&T is part of a dynamic and resourceful system. In addition to campus operations, Cooperative Extension at A&T has professional staff in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Nation. For additional information, please visit (http://www.ncat.edu).

Internal job number: 009094

Requirements:

-Ph.D. from an accredited university in urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, sustainable agriculture & food systems, or a closely related field.
-Two years of experience in program management, cooperative extension, or non-formal education.
-Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office).
-Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
-Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
-Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation.
-Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.
-Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds safely to conduct farming demonstrations and equipment training.

Preferred:

-In addition to Ph.D., five or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension, urban agriculture research, sustainable agriculture and food systems research, academia, or the private sector.
-Five or more years of experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
-Experience with statistical analysis software.
-Experience planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs.
-Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university such as business and industry, state and federal agencies and non-profit and private foundations.

Special Instructions:

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.