Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Powhatan County

Job Description

This successful candidate will be working in Powhatan County. Powhatan County is steeped in tradition based on an agricultural economy. Located in Virginia's Central Piedmont adjacent to the James River, these localities are a short drive west of Richmond, and are within an easy two hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean, Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area offers abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, along with excellent schools. An Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that are designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems. The agent is an educator, an information provider, a needs assessor, and a problem-solving resource for clientele. The agent networks with the agricultural industry, Extension agents and specialists, and agency representatives. The ANR Extension agent: provides current research based information to citizens through a variety of teaching methods targeted to diverse audiences; works closely with agricultural producers, agribusiness, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific local needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of subject matter proficiency by participating in training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing for and responding to emergencies and natural disasters. The Powhatan Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agent will respond to a wide variety of client interests and needs. These are very likely to include: pasture and forage, equine, pond, small ruminant, environmental horticulture, beef cattle production, and crop and soil related management concerns. The agent will work with the Huguenot Beekeepers, Powhatan Master Gardener Association, area farmer's markets, and a variety of other partners.

Required Qualifications

Interested candidates must have a minimum of 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 are 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; excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to work effectively with low income, limited resource and minority audiences; ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting. The person in this position is expected to travel to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree is preferred. Commercial agriculture experience is preferred.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.