Assistant/Associate Professor - Extension Horticulture Specialist

Provides educational leadership in the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of research based, integrative statewide Extension programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences. Delivers training and educational support materials for field staff and their clientele/customers in sustainable agriculture, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Program. This position works both individually and collaboratively to plan, deliver, and assess the effectiveness of Extension programs relating to community-based food systems. Assists both established agricultural producers and beginning farmers in developing market-driven, systems-integrated, and sustainable specialty crop or alternative enterprises. Secures external funding for these programs that address the needs and learning behaviors of beginning, small-scale, and limited resource growers.

This position 1) designs and develops educational programs based upon solid needs assessments and/or situational analysis of horticultural production stakeholders; 2) collaborates with academic and research faculty, county staff, regional/district directors at NCAT and NCSU, state program leaders, the ANR program leader, and other extension specialists and research scientists to develop and manage relevant research-based horticulture program initiatives; 3) develops and conducts training programs for Extension field faculty and community stakeholders that focus on environmentally sustainable agriculture, specialty crops (including organic and nursery enterprises) and increasing on-farm efficiency and productivity; 4) assists field faculty and staff with respect to the planning and implementation of onsite educational demonstrations related to horticultural production and environmental stewardship.; 5) develops proposals and secures extramural funding for Extension horticultural programs that address the needs and learning behaviors of beginning, small-scale, and limited resource growers; and 6) conducts applied research on the A&T University Farm and on cooperating farms related to improved vegetable and fruit production techniques, season extension and specialty crops. The Extension Specialist reports to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader of the Cooperative Extension Program.