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Position Number: NE-00002479-1026
Primary Function of Organizational Unit:
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 a 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 or school bell.
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 field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina residents.
Wake County is located in central North Carolina, and as of 2026, its population exceeds 1.2 million people. Wake County is home to Raleigh, the state capital, as well as 12 other smaller municipalities, and N.C. State University. The county includes both urban and rural areas with a growing population of 66 residents per day placing significant pressure on existing agriculture producers and farmland. Wake County has 532,415 acres with 77,008 acres in farms. The popularity of North Carolina products is encouraging to traditional agriculture as well as fueling new agricultural operations.
There are 691 farms with the average farm being 111 acres. Soybeans, wheat, hay and tobacco are the primary crops currently being grown in Wake County. Cash receipts and government payments for the agriculture industry are over $56 million. Wake County is home to the largest number of green industry producers in the State and support for these agribusinesses, nurseries, landscapers is important to our local economy and to maintaining a healthy environment.
For more information about Wake County see https://www.wake.gov/
To learn more about the NCCE Wake County Center go to https://wake.ces.ncsu.edu/
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties:
NC Cooperative Extension in Wake County is seeking a Horticulture Extension Agent. The Horticulture Agent is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) and will provide horticulture education to the citizens of Wake County through a variety of programming experiences. The agent will also proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the programs and continue to grow a thriving Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.
Departmental Required Skills:
- A bachelor's degree in horticulture related field is required. The agent in this position must have technical competence in horticulture and be able to deliver educational programs.
- Travel within the district is required. Occasional travel outside the district is required
- Demonstrated horticulture subject-matter competence across commercial and consumer horticulture.
- Strong public speaking, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
- Effective teaching and educational delivery skills for in-person and virtual programs.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to lead, coordinate, and support volunteer programs, including volunteer recruitment, training, and continuing education.
- Ability to develop and deliver research-based educational programming for diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to develop and implement educational programs that address client and community needs.
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
- A Master's degree is preferred.
- Work experience with horticulture to include turf and ornamentals, home gardening, fruits and vegetables, pest management etc.
- Desired skills and abilities include the ability to manage volunteers, willingness to work as part of a team, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong technology skills
- Knowledge of Integrated Pest and Disease Management and the ability to provide related technical assistance.
- Experience developing educational programs that support the profitability and sustainability of Green Industry professionals.
- Knowledge of horticultural business and financial practices and the application of proven technologies.
- Experience coordinating volunteer programs, particularly Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Programs.
- Experience supporting community food systems, food security initiatives, and community garden networks.
- Experience developing and coordinating educational video production.
- Experience developing youth horticulture and 4-H programming.
- Skills in marketing, evaluating, and measuring the impact of educational programs.
Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
- 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.
AA/EOE Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
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.
NC 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.
Department: 117722 - Northeast District - Wake
Location: Raleigh, NC