Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Orange County

Job Description

Orange County is a growing rural community in central Virginia, located between Charlottesville and Fredericksburg, VA. Known for rolling landscapes, its wine industry, James Madison's Montpelier, and a quiet hometown feel with easy access to modern amenities, Orange seeks an Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will provide education and program leadership for the entirety of the agriculture community, which is the county's largest industry, while there is a need for focus on animal and poultry sciences. Orange agriculture consists of a variety of specialties, including livestock, crop production, wine grapes, forestry, and some of the largest horticulture businesses on the East coast. The candidate will identify local needs related to agriculture production and marketing and deliver educational programs to address those needs. Strong people skills required; commercial agriculture experience preferred. The Extension Agent provides current research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; work closely with producers, agribusiness, 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 recognize the importance of developing and delivering Extension programs that serve a broad range of communities, actively working to expand program participation and adhering to VCE’s civil rights policies to ensure compliance with state and federal law.

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. Also, strong people skills are required for this position. The person in the 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 is preferred.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$45,000 - $65,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 3, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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