Extension Agent, ANR, Roanoke County
Job Description
This position will be housed in the Roanoke Office in Roanoke, Virginia. However, the position will cover Roanoke and Botetourt Counties and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem. The total population for these localities is approximately 251,221. Roanoke is among the few metro areas that enjoys immediate proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sixty one public schools provide education for the youth in the Roanoke Valley. Medium household incomes range from $38,000 in Roanoke City to $60,000 in Roanoke County. Botetourt County is located at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, lying in a broad valley between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and is often referred to as The Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. Situated just north of Roanoke, it is a land of farms, orchards, small towns, and national forests. Botetourt offers the advantages of small town and rural life with the nearness of a large city and the medical, economic and cultural contributions Roanoke offers. The approximately 349,000 acres in Botetourt are comprised of rolling hills, forests, streams and rivers. Soils in river and creek bottoms can be very productive and make for excellent crop ground.| |Agriculture (Commercial Horticulture) is extremely important to the overall economy of these localities. The Horticulture Agent will work with producers in the areas of commercial vegetables, fruit production, agribusiness, agriculture tourism, home horticulture and landscaping, and community gardens. This position will also work with producers/vendors that participate in local farmers markets. Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent positions require a service mentality as well as process and subject matter expertise to plan, implement and evaluate research based educational programs for diverse audiences. The Extension Agent provides current research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to diverse 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.
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.
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. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy. |
Preferred Qualifications
A master's degree is preferred.
Salary Information
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Review Date
December 12, 2019
Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
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