Job Description

Job Description

The ANR agent position in James City County and New Kent is a split county position. James City County (JCC) is located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The population in 2011 was 68,200 and since the county started doing comprehensive plans in 1975 the population has increased over 160%. In 2008, the County was ranked as the eighth fastest growing locality in Virginia. The county prides itself on the quality jobs, housing and amenities all of which attract new residents. New Kent has a population of 20,000 with over 3,000 students attending the local school system. The county is east/southeast of Richmond and is considered rural in nature. A very high percentage of people commute outside the county for work.

This position requires basic knowledge of soil science; integrated pest management, including plant physiology, pathology, weed science, and pesticide management; post-harvest management; economics and marketing; production of specific commodities; water quality; biotechnology developments; and field plot research.

The Extension Agent provides current research-based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to diverse audiences; work closely with producers, agri-business, 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. Assist producers with understanding the forces that create opportunities for collaborative marketing efforts, partner and provide technical assistance to various producer organizations, collaborate with county, state, and federal departments and agencies to support the goals of agricultural producers, work with Farmer’s Market vendors to develop a larger market presence in the community. 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 diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation, and are responsible for VCE’s civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree will be hired at the Associate Extension Agent title level. A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Virginia Tech has an excellent benefits package; including graduate tuition waiver.

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. The person in this 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.