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Area Specialized Agent- Ag Business & Marketing (Harnett County)

North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, us, 27497

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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. Benefits

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

Classification Type EHRA Position Overview

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. Organizational Context

Primary Function of Organizational Unit N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution. Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T provides research-based educational information, programming, and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. The Cooperative Extension Program operates in almost half of North Carolina’s 100 counties and with partners including NC State University, USDA, and state and county governments. Additional context about North Carolina A&T’s scope and impact is included in the original posting. Qualifications

A Master’s degree from an accredited university in agricultural education, extension education, agricultural science, horticulture, animal sciences, or a related field is required; for candidates with comparable independent research productivity or background in independent academic or instructional activities, a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience may be substituted. Ability to work independently without direct supervision. Ability to work and interact with diverse populations. Ability to conduct applied research with limited technical support. Leadership, communication, networking, budgeting, and public relations skills. Computer literacy (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office). Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships. Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation. Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed. Must be able to lift and carry training supplies and equipment for farm demonstrations and workshops. Preferred Experience

Expertise in fields related to small-scale agriculture, Agribusiness, marketing, Specialty Crops & Vegetables, Season Extension (High Tunnels), Community development, Integrated Pest Management, Livestock (swine, poultry, and ruminants). Experience in direct marketing of agricultural products. Experience with applied research on farm plots. Experience writing and administering grants. At least five years of extension experience working with small farms, socially disadvantaged small farmers and ranchers, and limited resource clients. Experience planning virtual and in-person programs. Experience and knowledge of mass media, marketing, and presentations. Position Details

Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site) Working Title/Position Number/Salary: Position Number 007658; Recruitment Salary Range Commensurate with education and experience; FLSA Exempt; Appointment Type Permanent - Full-time; Tenure Track No; FTE; Organizational Division Cooperative Extension; Organizational Location College of Ag & Environmental Sciences; Organizational Unit County Operations/State Prog; Posting Number EPA2531 Open Date: 11/13/2025; Open Until Filled: Yes; Date Position Available: 01/02/2026 Required Documents

Resume Cover Letter Letter of Reference 1 Letter of Reference 2 Letter of Reference 3 Copy of Education Transcripts Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214) Other Document Contact

Division of Human Resources Phone: (336) 334-7862 Fax: (336) 285-2799 Email: hr@ncat.edu

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