Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent

FTE: 1.00

Essential Job Duties

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.

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

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.

Primary Purpose of Position

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, including the areas of foods and nutrition, health and wellness, food preservation techniques such as pressure cooking, canning, freezing, and drying, the ServSafe program, and local foods. The agent will be responsible for recruiting and training Extension Volunteers and serving as an advisor to the Extension Volunteer Association.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The FCS Agent will:

• Provide leadership in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs and activities with measurable impacts.
• Be a team player and support the total Extension program.
• Network with broad audiences, customers, volunteers, Extension Specialists, and the local Extension staff.
• Actively seek outside resources to enhance the program.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs.
• The Extension Agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective family & consumer sciences educational program to meet the needs of the county, including emphasis on nutrition, food safety, and local foods.
• Manage & grow a team of Extension Master Food Volunteers in the county to support programming initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate SafePlates food manager training on a regular basis.
• This position demands a responsible and self-motivated individual with outstanding relationship skills and a strong background in foods & nutrition.
• When providing references, please include at least three, of which one must be a current supervisor or former supervisor.
• Frequent travel within the county and occasional travel outside the county is required.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Work closely with 4-H staff and volunteers to provide cooking and local foods programming to fit the needs of the overall extension program.
• Required to serve as the Local Foods Coordinator for the county.
• Expected to coordinate monthly food demos at a local food pantry (10 months of the year) and at a local farmer’s market one Saturday a month (6 months of the year).
• Other duties as assigned.

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 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday; evenings 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 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.

Department Required Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Excellent time and resource management skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and set priorities.
• Computer literacy, technical competencies, and knowledge of educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs.
• Energetic, self-directed, and self-motivated with the ability to multi-task with little supervision. Ability to work independently or in team settings, with individuals as well as groups.
• Willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program.
• Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.
• Ability to connect with a broad audience base, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Willingness to participate in subject-matter training, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to Family & Consumer Sciences, food and nutrition, or a combination of education and work that would prepare someone for this role.
• Experience in planning programs.
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.
• Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.
• Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders to extend programming to the broadest audience possible.
• Knowledge of local food systems in WNC
• Knowledge of basic nutrition & home cooking skills
• Ability to manage volunteers

Required License or Certification

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.

Valid NC Driver's License required?: Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?: No
Physical Required?: No

Anticipated Hiring Range

Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000

Internal Transfer Only: No
Job Open Date: 08/25/2026
Quick Link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/225717

EEO

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.