Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Henrico County
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT), Blacksburg, VA, United States
Job Description
This position requires basic knowledge of horticulture, including crop production; integrated pest management and plant diagnostics, plant physiology, pathology, weed science, pesticide management; and economics and marketing. The position also requires basic knowledge of environmental issues, fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, as well as soils, water, nutrient, and greenhouse management. Agents must determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees; develop and deliver objective and research‑based educational programs to meet the needs of target audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources; inform clientele of program activities; use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, one‑on‑one visits, on‑farm demonstrations, field trips and tours; maintain knowledge of current research information, use computer applications; develop and implement evaluation plans; recruit, train and utilize volunteers enabling them to plan, conduct, evaluate and report educational activities; provide educational leadership and informational assistance to producers, industry, Master Gardener volunteers, and homeowners relative to the horticultural needs of the county, and report results to clientele, public and administration.
Responsibilities
Agents recognize the importance of all communities and have a broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university.
A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent required no later than the sixth year of employment.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train, and manage volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs.
Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with broad audiences.
Ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.
Flexibility, adaptability, a team‑oriented mindset, yet able to work independently.
Strong desire to help clients succeed.
Travel to provide in‑person leadership and to build community partnerships (except where telework is the exception).
Preferred Qualifications
A master’s degree is preferred.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.
Appointment Type
Restricted.
Salary Information
$50,000 – $65,000.
Hours per Week
Varies.
Close Date
May 8, 2026.
Additional Information
The successful candidate must have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.
The successful candidate must have a criminal conviction check.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Morris White at morrisfw@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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This position requires basic knowledge of horticulture, including crop production; integrated pest management and plant diagnostics, plant physiology, pathology, weed science, pesticide management; and economics and marketing. The position also requires basic knowledge of environmental issues, fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, as well as soils, water, nutrient, and greenhouse management. Agents must determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees; develop and deliver objective and research‑based educational programs to meet the needs of target audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources; inform clientele of program activities; use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, one‑on‑one visits, on‑farm demonstrations, field trips and tours; maintain knowledge of current research information, use computer applications; develop and implement evaluation plans; recruit, train and utilize volunteers enabling them to plan, conduct, evaluate and report educational activities; provide educational leadership and informational assistance to producers, industry, Master Gardener volunteers, and homeowners relative to the horticultural needs of the county, and report results to clientele, public and administration.
Responsibilities
Agents recognize the importance of all communities and have a broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university.
A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent required no later than the sixth year of employment.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train, and manage volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs.
Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with broad audiences.
Ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.
Flexibility, adaptability, a team‑oriented mindset, yet able to work independently.
Strong desire to help clients succeed.
Travel to provide in‑person leadership and to build community partnerships (except where telework is the exception).
Preferred Qualifications
A master’s degree is preferred.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.
Appointment Type
Restricted.
Salary Information
$50,000 – $65,000.
Hours per Week
Varies.
Close Date
May 8, 2026.
Additional Information
The successful candidate must have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.
The successful candidate must have a criminal conviction check.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Morris White at morrisfw@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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