Area Specialized Agent- Ag Business & Marketing (Harnett County)

Primary Purpose of Position

The Area Specialized Agent will work closely with North Carolina small farmers and Extension Agents within the multi-county area. The position will work to assess and respond to the needs of limited-resource small farmers and extension agents across the state of North Carolina. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with commodity-oriented teams of research and Extension specialists and will be expected to develop and lead a nationally recognized Extension and applied research program on small farms and production in the region of North Carolina. Extension responsibilities will focus on developing educational programs and materials for limited resource populations, small farmers, new and beginning small farmers, and other agribusinesses. The applied research program will focus on addressing relevant and practical issues facing North Carolina’s small farmers and align with the mission and vision of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. This position will be located in the Harnett County Extension office and is expected to collaborate with other Extension staff in that office and those in surrounding counties (Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Moore, Lee, Montgomery).

The primary focus of the Area Specialized Agent will be to support small farmers in these counties through:

1. Market Development: Assisting farmers in identifying and accessing new market opportunities, both locally and regionally, to increase the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

2. Innovative Marketing Strategies: Providing training and resources on the latest marketing techniques, including digital marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, and branding strategies, to help farmers effectively reach and engage with their target audiences.

3. Business Development: Offering guidance on business planning, financial management, and risk mitigation, tailored to the unique needs of small-scale farmers.

4. Collaborative Initiatives: Facilitating collaborations between farmers, local businesses, and community organizations to create synergistic opportunities and strengthen the local agribusiness network.

5. Educational Programs: Conducting workshops, seminars, and field days focused on agribusiness and marketing, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest knowledge and best practices. Primary Function of Organizational Unit N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master’s degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master’s degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.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 Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in nearly half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In North Carolina new farm enterprises are emerging that are dependent on the local market for income. Some of these diverse enterprises may include vegetables, fruit, grass-fed beef, pork, poultry, aquaculture, small scale timber, and specialty crops. Farmers markets, community supported agriculture and some restaurants place a higher value on locally produced products. Agribusiness initiatives are helping farmers capitalize on the growing market for local foods. Farmers are being connected with local grocers, food services, and institutions that are beginning to demand a greater supply of locally produced foods. Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree from an accredited university in agricultural education, extension education, agricultural science, horticulture, animal sciences, or a related field is required; for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.
• The ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• The ability to work and interact with diverse populations.
• The ability to conduct applied research with limited technical support.
• Skills in leadership, communication, networking, budgeting, and public relations.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• The ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.
• The ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Valid Driver’s license and personal transportation.
• The ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry training supplies and equipment needed for farm demonstrations and workshops.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Expertise in one of several subjects as they relate to small scale agriculture, Ag-business, marketing, Specialty Crops & Vegetables, Season Extension (High Tunnels), Community development, Integrated Pest Management, Livestock (swine, poultry, and ruminants.)
• Experience of direct marketing of agricultural products.
• Experience with applied research on farm plots.
• Experience writing and administering grants.
• At least five years of extension experience working with small farms, socially disadvantaged small farmers and ranchers, and limited resource clients.
• Experience planning virtual and face to face programs.
• Experience and knowledge of mass media, marketing, and presentations.

Required License or Certification Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site) Position Information