Extension Agent, Ag-Livestock & Forages (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent

FTE: 1.00

Essential Job Duties

NC Cooperative Extension in Buncombe County is seeking an Assistant Extension Agent, Livestock & Forages. The Assistant Extension Agent is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE). Our Livestock Program offers technical support for learning specific aspects of livestock production, assessing properties for agricultural potential, and providing opportunities for youth to learn and compete. Whether you are a seasoned producer or are just beginning your experience in the agricultural realm, N.C. Cooperative Extension can provide educational tools and experiences for you to start out on your path with successful footing.

The agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of an effective educational program and informational assistance to meet the needs of the county youth and adult populations in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems, and leadership in developing the 4-H & youth livestock program. A successful Extension Agent must demonstrate an ability and enthusiasm for serving audiences of all cultural and economic backgrounds.

The person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele, is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage target audiences, and who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.

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.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

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.

Buncombe County has a rich history of livestock production. From traditional family dairy farms, production beef operations, to an expanding small ruminant interest. Livestock production is evident on almost every corner of the county. Each farm presents its own uniqueness and traditional value.

The Livestock Agent will serve Buncombe County which has close to 278,000 residents encompassing roughly 422,368 acres, with an average farm size of approximately 73 acres. Of the 1074 farms in the county, 53% are classified as small operations. The county is home to a variety of farms, from small productive spaces to large acreage. Agricultural enterprises are equally varied, ranging from cattle farms and livestock operations to mixed vegetable farms, herb and flower farms, greenhouse facilities, and an endless blend of crop diversity. Farms are located in every community, from our beautiful rural areas to the vibrant city hub of Asheville where crops are grown in intensively managed plots within city limits. Every farm is unique in topography, land resources, and the products they raise and sell.

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!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will possess a high degree of subject matter competency, the ability to work independently, handle multiple demands, and set priorities. The agent will be expected to plan, implement, market and evaluate educational programs for positive measurable impacts in Buncombe County. The agent must be able to network with diverse audiences, including Extension specialists, local staff, customers, and volunteers. The agent must be a team player and support the total Buncombe County Extension program. Excellent interpersonal communication and professional skills, including written, oral, presentation, electronic, and media proficiency are desired.

The selected candidate should be able to:

• Develop curriculum and learning outcomes and maintain organized Livestock/Forage/Agriculture programs in accordance with the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
• Work closely with producers, agri-business, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities.
• Actively seek outside resources to enhance livestock and forages program.
• Use farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific local needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing and environmental protection.
• Foster communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers.
• Provide current research-based information to citizens by employing various teaching methods targeted to diverse audiences; meetings/workshops, short courses, field days, tours, on-farm research, demonstrations and other appropriate teaching methods.
• Market Agriculture programs and services to the community using various media.
• Determine educational needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the Agriculture program and services on a regular basis.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to assist with the implementation and instruction of the Agriculture programs.
• Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies and community organizations to meet the subject matter needs of the Agriculture program.
• Serve as educational advisor for local livestock and forage related community groups as needed.
• Develop Agriculture programs that follow North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, state, county and national laws, policies, and guidelines.
• Share program successes/impacts and evaluation data through required county, state, and federal reporting system.
• Attend required trainings offered through NCSU, NC A&T, and Buncombe County government.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The Livestock Agent will engage the agricultural community, ranging from livestock producers to crop-livestock mixed farms, potential new farmers, and homesteaders. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock/backyard poultry production, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing Extension leadership in supporting and growing the 4-H & youth livestock program in Buncombe County which includes programs such as the 4-H Dairy Steer Project, 4-H Livestock Judging, and 4-H Pullet Project.

The Livestock Agent will work closely with the WNC Beef Commission and partner with other county/government departments such as Ag and Land Resources, Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS, NCDACS, and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed.

This position will work with the county pesticide coordinator to provide educational pesticide training opportunities for private, public, and commercial operators to maintain their licenses.

The agent will be expected to develop and market educational programs with measurable impacts and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, and organizations to more effectively reach intended audiences throughout the county.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises: N/A

Percent of Time Spent: N/A

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key: Not Applicable

Work Schedule: 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Nights and weekends as required.

Minimum Experience/Education

One of the following educational requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in an agricultural or related field. 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 of the degrees in an agricultural or related field, or
• Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in an agricultural or related field.

Department Required Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science, crop science, agronomy, or a related agricultural field is required.
• Experience working with a wide variety of livestock and crops.
• Ability to travel within the county and occasional travel outside the county/district.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• A Master’s degree.
• Extension or other professional experience, including a high level of computer competency.

Required License or Certification: NC Liscense

Valid NC Driver's License required?: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Physical Required?: No

Anticipated Hiring Range: $40,000-$50,000

Internal Transfer Only: No

Job Open Date: 10/22/2026

Quick Link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/236313