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Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Montgomery County

Employer
Virginia Tech
Location
Virginia, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jul 19, 2021


Job Description

This position is housed in Montgomery County. Montgomery County, located in southwestern Virginia, has a population of 98,535 residents and encompasses four communities and towns including Shawsville, Riner, Christiansburg and Blacksburg. The county seat of Montgomery is located in Christiansburg. Blacksburg is the largest town in Virginia and is home to Virginia Tech, one of the nation's leading educational institutions and research universities. Montgomery County is the heart of the New River Valley and offers diverse local arts, educational opportunities, history, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Agriculturally, there are 650 farms encompassing 99,670 acres. Primary agricultural enterprises include livestock production, forage production, horticulture, and forestry. In addition to commercial agriculture production, the Montgomery Agriculture Agent is responsible for the volunteer development and training necessary to sustain the New River Valley Master Gardener Program.

The Extension Agent provides current research-based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to diverse audiences; work closely with producers, agri-business, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific locals needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in in-service training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed.

Extension agents recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation and are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action.

Individuals will be hired at the Associate Extension Agent title level. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Virginia Tech has an excellent benefits package; including graduate tuition waiver.

Required Qualifications

Agent faculty positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment. Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers; demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs; knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills; excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with low income, limited resource and minority audiences; ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed. The person in this position is expected to travel to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree and commercial agriculture experience is preferred.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Review Date

August 10, 2021

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

Must have a driver's license check

Must have an acceptable and safe driving record

Must provide own transportation on a regular basis

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Danny Peek at dpeek@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: July 19, 2021
Applications close:

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