Extension Agent, Ag-Field Crops; Assistant, Associate

Position Overview

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.

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The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• Wolf Perks!

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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. Sampson County is the second-largest county in North Carolina by land area and is home to roughly 204,000 acres of cropland and 882 Farms.

Agriculture is the foundation of the local economy, with nearly half of the county's land in active production. Sampson County accounts for an estimated 22 percent of North Carolina's total agricultural commodities and generates more than $2.2 billion in annual farm cash receipts, according to the 2022 NC Department of Agriculture. The county ranks first in the state for overall agricultural output, with leading commodities that include field and horticultural crops, sweet potatoes, hogs, and turkeys.

Clinton serves as the county seat, and Sampson County is home to about 60,000 residents and 21,395 households. About one-quarter of the population is under the age of 18. The county sits in southeastern North Carolina between Raleigh and Wilmington, with convenient access to Interstate 40 and a short drive to Interstate 95. Sampson County offers a rural setting, a strong agricultural heritage, and a relaxed pace of life.

More information about the county is available at

This position is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating a comprehensive Extension education program that supports row-crop producers and pesticide-licensing clientele in Sampson County. The agent is expected to maintain a strong, visible presence within the agricultural community and to build trusted, working relationships with producers, farm managers, consultants, and agribusiness professionals through regular on-farm engagement and responsive support. The agent will provide research-based technical assistance through farm visits, field demonstrations, workshops, and applied research projects.

Working closely with specialists from NC State University and NC A&T State University, the agent will establish, manage, and evaluate applied research and demonstration trials that address current production challenges and emerging issues affecting local producers. The successful candidate will collaborate with Extension colleagues, commodity groups, county government, agribusiness, and partner organizations to identify local needs, develop relevant educational programming, and effectively deliver information in both one-on-one and group settings.

Clear, practical communication and the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for producers are essential. This role requires strong organizational skills, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision. The agent is expected to document program impacts, evaluate outcomes, and adapt programming based on producer feedback and evolving production conditions. Regular farm visits are a central responsibility of this position and are a primary method for staying connected to producer needs, monitoring crop conditions, and ensuring timely, relevant Extension programming across the county.

During periods of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes, this position may be assigned to staff Red Cross disaster shelters or support other emergency-response efforts to assist residents who have been displaced or impacted.

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 an…