Area Agent, Livestock (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Posting Details

Position Information Posting Number PG190805CE Position Number NE-00111702-1225 Position Type NC Cooperative Extension (EPS) Department Information Job City & State Hertford, NC Department NCCE Perquimans County System Information Working Title Area Agent, Livestock (Assistant, Associate, or Full) Appointment 12 Month Recurring Job Type Full-Time - Permanent FTE 1.00

Position Information

Position Overview Essential Job Duties Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications. While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our () and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The Area Agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating an outcome-based program addressing issues and opportunities identified in Perquimans and other primary counties – Chowan, Gates and Pasquotank. Secondary support will be provided as needed to Hertford, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Hyde, Beaufort, Dare, Camden, and Currituck. This position will demand a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with a broad background of knowledge in animal agriculture including, but not limited to swine, cattle: beef and dairy, lambs, goats, poultry and horses. Livestock production in Perquimans is comprised of cow-calf operations, contract hog operations, and poultry operations which provides 29% and 36% respectively in agricultural cash receipts. This position works closely with the 4-H programs to provide the leadership for several highly successful 4-H youth livestock programs.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.
The Livestock Area Agent will serve four primary northeastern North Carolina counties—Perquimans County, Chowan County, Gates County, and Pasquotank County—a region anchored by rural farming communities and a mix of crop, livestock, and poultry production. Perquimans County has about 13,500 residents, with 137 farms encompassing roughly 78,264 acres (average farm size ~571 acres), producing crops and maintaining livestock and poultry operations, including more than 1.19 million broilers and over 300 head of cattle as of 2022.
In Chowan County (≈ 13,700–13,900 residents), there are 134 farms covering about 73,439 acres (average ~548 acres per farm), with agriculture dominated by crop production but with some livestock and poultry—making it well-suited for forage and integrated crop-livestock programs.
Gates County, with roughly 122 farms and about 71,866 acres of farmland (average ~589 acres per farm), has one of the strongest livestock footprints in the region: in 2022 producers reported over 2.0 million broilers, around 1,469 cattle and calves, and more than 20,000 hogs/pigs.

Pasquotank County, somewhat more populated (≈ 41,500 residents), has 133 farms covering about 95,870 acres (average ~721 acres per farm). Agriculture here is overwhelmingly crop-oriented (crops account for ~97% of ag sales), though cattle (≈ 322 head) and other livestock remain present. The larger population base and presence of the city of Elizabeth City create good potential for outreach, youth programming, and recruitment of new or beginning farmers and small niche livestock farmers.
In this four-county region, the Agent will engage the agricultural community—ranging from contract poultry growers and small beef or hog producers to crop-livestock mixed farms and potential new farmers. Key programmatic needs include beef and cattle herd health and management, small flock poultry production and biosecurity education, pasture/forage improvement, nutrient and waste management, and outreach to beginning farmers and youth through community, 4-H, and educational events.

The Livestock Agent will assist in providing extension leadership to the Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show and the Chowan 4-H Livestock Show. These shows have more than 200 animals and over 175 youth. The Livestock Agent will also work closely with the local cattlemen’s association and be a part of the Northeast District Livestock Team.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe person in this position must possess a high degree of animal science and livestock production knowledge, have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension livestock education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele; is adept at going out into the county on farm visits to engage targeted audiences; and, who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships.This position primarily provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an effective educational program to meet the needs of the county in the following areas of responsibility: consumer & commercial livestock production, pasture management, animal nutrition, animal waste management systems and leadership to the 4-H & youth livestock programs.The successful candidate is expected to be a team player working with the Perquimans, Gates, Chowan and Pasquotank staff and other organizations, possess a high degree of subject matter competence, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work independently.This person should be able to:

• Develop and maintain organized programs that follow NC Cooperative Extension, county, and national laws, policies, and guidelines.
• Determine clientele needs and impact by assessing and evaluating the Agriculture program and services on a regular basis.
• Work collaboratively with other Extension programs, staff, agencies and community organizations to meet the needs of the agriculture community.
• Network with agents, specialists and local Ag. Producers to plan and implement innovative field days/educational programs
• Promote Agriculture within the county.

Other Work/Responsibilities Responsibilities of this position will include the development of educational programs in animal agriculture, 4-H youth livestock, equine, forages, waste management, farm safety, poultry and dairy education. An office is provided in Perquimans County.Additional responsibilities include partnering with other county departments like Emergency Services, Animal Control, Soil & Water, NRCS and FSA to bring applicable resources to clientele, and provide guidance on business planning and management as needed. Supervisory Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises 0 Percent of Time Spent N/A Requirements and Preferences Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable Work Schedule Monday - Friday- 8 AM - 5 PM Business Hours - Evenings and Weekends as required Minimum Experience/Education One of the following educational requirements: – A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in the job related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor’s degree. – A Bachelor’s degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in the job related field, or – Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in the job related field. Department Required Skills A Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural or related field. Some travel within the district and state is required . Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines. Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education A Bachelor’s degree in the area of Animal Science or related area of science is preferred.Knowledge and experience in communications, presentation, public relations/marketing, leadership, time management, organization, technology, networking and resource development are also preferred. Required License or Certification Valid driver’s license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained. Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? No Physical Required? No List any other medical/drug tests required

Recruitment

Recruitment Details Anticipated Hiring Range Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 Commensurate with experience. Internal Transfer Only No Recruitment Dates Job Open Date 01/09/2026