Extension Program Assistant-Agriculture

State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. 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 and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. This position is a full-time (.94 FTE), 37.5-hour per week position. The position is 100% county funded. The Extension Ag Program Assistant is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE). The Ag Program Assistant’s primary responsibility is to provide support to the Extension staff where assigned. The Ag Program Assistant cooperates with colleagues in the NCCE and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the NCCE.

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 field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. For more information visit www.ces.ncsu.edu Henderson County is in western North Carolina and is considered an emerging urban area, yet still has a large rural community. For more information about Henderson County, visit the county website at https://www.hendersoncountync.gov

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides assistance to extension agricultural staff in the execution of their programs both in the office, the field and the classroom.
• Works with tree fruit, vegetable, small fruit, ornamental and livestock programs as needed.
• Helps to organize, establish, maintain, and collect data from various on-farm trials.
• Compiles and summarizes data from trials; prepares and completes a variety of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Reviews and verifies records and reports to ensure required information is complete and accurate.
• Searches for research-based information relative to assignments or programs using online reference libraries, internet searches, office files and reference manuals.
• Helps prepare for events which may include workshops, conferences, production meetings, field days, classes, and advisory committee meetings.
• Participates in the Master Gardener Program as requested by the Consumer Horticulture agent. This may include teaching classes, organizing volunteers and helping with management of the Bountiful Harvest Community Garden and other community gardens.
• Works with the Master Pomology program and Extension Apple Variety Block at the instruction of the Tree Fruit Agent.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

May serve as a program liaison for the Agents or as a representative for the programs as requested.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises:

N/A

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key:

Not Applicable

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:30am– 5pm business hours, with occasional flex hours to attend night and/or weekend events and to support agricultural programs.

Minimum Experience/Education:

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

Department Required Skills:

• Knowledge of computer applications is required including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good interpersonal communication skills and teamwork ability is required.
• The ability to work on issues and maintain confidentiality is essential.
• Must be highly motivated and innovative. Must be a good team member and support and develop a positive work environment.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in Spanish both written and oral would be an asset but not required.
• Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and set priorities.
• Possess strong work ethic with skills in communications, networking, and public relations.
• Ability to work and interact with the population.
• Excellent time and resource management skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work well with people.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them over time.
• Communicating with people outside of the organization, representing the organization to clientele, the public, government, and other external sources.
• Travel connected with official duties may be required. Must have willingness to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some evenings and weekends).
• The position requires lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently with or without reasonable accommodations. The job also requires sustained periods of standing and sitting and occasional periods of kneeling, stooping and reaching. The job occasionally requires exposure to extreme heat and humidity and exposure to the sun.

Required License or Certification:

Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation required and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required?:

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?:

No

Physical Required?:

No

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$35,000-$38,000

Internal Transfer Only:

No

Job Open Date:

08/25/2026

Quick Link:

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/233979

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.