Area Specialized Agent- Ag Business & Marketing; Harnett

Overview

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.

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount
• and more

Classification Type EHRA

Primary Purpose of Position

The Area Specialized Agent will work closely with North Carolina small farmers and Extension Agents within the multi-county area. The position will work to assess and respond to the needs of limited-resource small farmers and extension agents across the state of North Carolina. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with commodity-oriented teams of research and Extension specialists and will be expected to develop and lead a nationally recognized Extension and applied research program on small farms and production in the region of North Carolina.

Extension responsibilities will focus on developing educational programs and materials for limited resource populations, small farmers, new and beginning small farmers, and other agribusinesses. The applied research program will focus on addressing relevant and practical issues facing North Carolina’s small farmers and align with the mission and vision of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. This position will be located in the Harnett County Extension office and is expected to collaborate with other Extension staff in that office and those in surrounding counties (Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Moore, Lee, Montgomery).

The primary focus of the Area Specialized Agent will be to support small farmers in these counties through:

1. Market Development:
Assisting farmers in identifying and accessing new market opportunities, both locally and regionally, to increase the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

2. Innovative Marketing Strategies:
Providing training and resources on the latest marketing techniques, including digital marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, and branding strategies, to help farmers effectively reach and engage with their target audiences.

3. Business Development:
Offering guidance on business planning, financial management, and risk mitigation, tailored to the unique needs of small-scale farmers.

4. Collaborative Initiatives:
Facilitating collaborations between farmers, local businesses, and community organizations to create synergistic opportunities and strengthen the local agribusiness network.

5. Educational Programs:
Conducting workshops, seminars, and field days focused on agribusiness and marketing, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and best practices.

Primary Function of…