Description:

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 Agriculture and Natural Resources ( ANR ) agents, technicians and their clientele/customers in urban agriculture (sustainable agriculture and food systems), consistent

with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. This position works both individually and collaboratively to plan, deliver, and assess the effectiveness of Extension programs relating to urban agriculture with a primary focus on opportunities for farmers to fill gaps in urban food systems. Secures external research funding for programs to engage underserved and limited-resource audiences in the revitalization and profitability of small farms.

This is a non-tenured track faculty ( NTTF ), twelve-month position at the rank of “Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice – Extension Urban Agriculture Specialist” in North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension. Position’s incumbent is eligible for title promotion and academically housed in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design.

As NTTF faculty, this position can be released, up to 25% of time and effort once per year, to teach for-credit academic coursework.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer

sciences, community and rural development, and 4-H youth development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and county governments – Extension at A&T is part of a dynamic and resourceful system. In addition to campus operations, Cooperative Extension at A&T has professional staff in many of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of

Cherokee Indian Nation. For additional information, please visit ().

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T serves small, beginning and limited resource farms throughout North Carolina. Many of the clients served are fruit and vegetable operations, niche livestock farms, and other small entities. Following organic, holistic and regenerative practices are often a priority for our clients. Effective Extension programming, applied research, and production recommendations for this audience

must consider the small scale (1 -20 acres, less than $250,000 gross agricultural income) of typical stakeholder farm operations as well as the desire of some producers to avoid the use of pesticides and other conventional techniques that may be considered non-regenerative.

Resources available to specialists in this Unit include the 492-Acre University Farm with units representing the diversity of agriculture found in North Carolina including a Horticulture Unit consisting of over a dozen High Tunnel structures of various designs and configurations as well as ample field plots, both with significant Organically Certified spaces. All standard agricultural production equipment is available at the farm with many specialized implements applicable to small farm practices. Space and resources at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems ( CEFS ) in Goldsboro, NC are also available and encouraged for applied research. A cohort of Extension colleagues works together to serve our clients through the system of field staff in place across the state and by directly serving growers through public educational events, field days, and by producing educational materials of various types.

Requirements:

• Earned Doctorate from an accredited university in urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, food systems, or a closely related field.

• Two years of experience in program management, cooperative extension, or non-formal education.

• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office).

• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.

• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds safely to conduct farming demonstrations and equipment training.

Preferred:

• In addition to Doctorate, five or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension, urban agriculture research or outreach, sustainable agriculture and food systems research or outreach, academia, or the private sector.

• Five or more years of experience in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Experience with statistical analysis software.

• Experience planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs.

• Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university such as business and industry, state and federal agencies and non-profit and private foundations

Special Instructions:

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees

• Community Service Leave

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC – Health Benefits

• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more

• 12 Paid Holidays

• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )

• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457

• Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )

• Campus Recreation Center Discount

• University Bookstore Discount

• and more