Extension Agent, FCS

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 video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

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 Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The agent in this position will provide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and marketing of an effective educational program in Family and Consumer Sciences ( FCS), including the areas of foods, nutrition, and health.

Essential responsibilities for the position include planning, marketing, conducting and evaluating educational programs in FCS for Northampton County.

Emphasis of the FCS program is on nutrition, food safety, health and wellness, food preservation, chronic disease reduction, and volunteer management. The position will conduct viable, proactive research-based educational programs in these areas. The position will collaborate with Extension agents in the region on common educational program initiatives. The agent will align the programs to meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the organization.

There is a strong demand for food safety information from home audiences, non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, commercial food operations and the restaurant trade. The ability to obtain training in an approved food safety certification program is provided and expected. The agent will also seek grants or other appropriate funding sources, to support, expanded or innovative programming.

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.

Northampton County covers 537 square miles of prime agricultural land in the Upper Coastal Plains in northeastern North Carolina. The Roanoke River is located along the southern border of Northampton County. Two lakes (Gaston and Roanoke Rapids Lake) are located at the western end of Northampton. Northampton County is located approximately 103 miles from the nearest beach, Virginia Beach, VA and is located approximately 100 miles from our State Capital, Raleigh, NC. The county population is 17,129 (2021). The county seat and home of the Northampton County Extension Center is Jackson, North Carolina. Our Northern border is the North Carolina/Virginia State Line.

For more information about Northampton County see http://www.northamptonnc.com/

To learn more about the NCCE Northampton County Center go to

https://northampton.ces.ncsu.edu/

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential job duties include:

* Recruit limited-resource families and individuals who meet the federal eligibility guidelines for participation in SNAP-Ed.

* Coordinate with collaborating agencies to plan and implement programs.

* Conduct direct nutrition education programs as outlined in Steps to Health program curricula and training.

* Facilitate the collection of appropriate demographic and evaluation data using specified tools.

* Purchase and prepare food and supplies for program specific taste tests.

* Track and spend within provided budgets for each program.

* Participate in Steps to Health trainings.

* With guidance from and in collaboration with Steps to Health campus staff, support partnering agencies in making positive improvements in nutrition and physical activity policies, systems, and environmental changes.

* Travel within assigned counties and to state office.

* Track and maintain program related paperwork such as data, inventory, and other documentation in an organized manner.

The FCS Agent is also responsible for SNAP-Ed program implementation, educating and inspiring limited resource North Carolinian's to adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors through a series of nutrition education programs and initiatives targeting preschoolers through 4th grade students, adults, and families.

Additionally, the agent will work to identify opportunities for providing assistance to community partners in the area of improving their policies, systems, and environments to better support healthy eating and physical activity. The agent works with the project and county team, pro-actively providing programming to their appointed counties.

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field (based on a 4.0 scale). 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 degree in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one degree in family and consumer sciences (formerly known as home economics) or a related field. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the County Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The County Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

A Bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences, nutrition or related science is required.
Computer literacy including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is expected.

Candidates should have excellent time and resource management skills, should be personable, and able to build networking coalitions.Food safety certification (ServSafe or Safe Plates) is also highly desirable.

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. Travel is reimbursed following state guidelines.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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