Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

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. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Essential responsibilities for the position include planning, marketing, conducting and evaluating educational programs in Family and Consumer Sciences ( FCS) for Cabarrus County and managing and supporting volunteers in the Cabarrus County Extension & Community Association.

Emphasis of the Family and Consumer Sciences program is on nutrition, food safety, health and wellness, local foods and cooking, chronic disease reduction, and volunteer management. The position will conduct viable, proactive research-based educational programs in these areas for both adult and youth audiences. The position will collaborate with Extension agents in the region on common educational program initiatives. All agents are expected to have a youth component in their programming.

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 agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

For more information on Cabarrus County, go to https://www.cabarruscounty.us/Home

Duties and Responsibilities:
The agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and marketing of an effective educational program in family and consumer sciences ( FCS), including the areas of foods, nutrition, and health. The agent will implement programs through delivery methods which enhance learning and skill development. Delivery methods may include workshops, classes, seminars, technical assistance, field trips, tours, and other methods. The agent will align the programs to meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the organization. Programs may include food safety for managers certification training courses (such as SafePlates), cooking local foods, steps to health, faithful families, Extension Master Food Volunteers, more in my basket, and other programs. The agent will also seek grants or other appropriate funding sources, to support, expanded or innovative programming.

The agent will collaborate and network with other agencies, groups, and organizations with similar missions. The professional in this position must be self-motivated, energetic, enjoy working with individuals as well as groups, be able to work with broad audiences, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with little supervision. The successful candidate is expected to be a team player collaborating with the Extension staff and other organizations on multidisciplinary programs with large impacts. The agent will possess a high degree of subject matter competence and be eager to learn more as new trends and issues emerge. The successful candidate will have good communication and organization skills, be able to work independently and be flexible to the demands of the public.

The agent will be responsible for managing and working closely with volunteers in the Extension and Community Association ( ECA). The agent will promote the volunteer program to gain community support, develop and implement strategies to recruit new volunteers, conduct ongoing evaluation of the program and services delivered by volunteers and implement improvements as necessary, review policies and procedures to reflect the overall values of the organizations, provide educational opportunities, mentor volunteers, and other volunteer management duties.

There is a strong demand for food safety information from both home audiences and the restaurant trade. The ability to obtain training in an approved food safety certification program is expected. The successful agent continues to learn as new techniques arise and offers programs to the public that are reflective of community input gathered from advisory councils and both informal and formal data collection.

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One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field (based on a 4.0 scale). The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the County Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The County Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The person in this position must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic. The successful candidate should be energetic, innovative, and a good manager of time and other resources. Organizational, interpersonal, marketing, and networking skills are desirable. Other skills needed include knowledge and experience in educational presentations, public relations and marketing, print media, leadership, and computer usage. The ability to evaluate programs and document contacts and impacts is essential. This position is responsible for the development, recruitment, implementation and evaluation of the entire FCS program.

A Master's degree at time of hiring is desirable, with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences, nutrition or related sciences. The expectation is that a Master's degree will be pursued after hiring.

Grantsmanship skills and experience with the ability to secure and manage outside funding resources in order to develop innovative programming is desired.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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