Provides educational leadership in the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of research based, integrative statewide Extension programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences. Delivers training and educational support materials for field staff and their clientele/customers in sustainable agriculture, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Program. This position works both individually and collaboratively to plan, deliver, and assess the effectiveness of Extension programs relating to community-based food systems. Assists both established agricultural producers and beginning farmers in developing market-driven, systems-integrated, and sustainable specialty crop or alternative enterprises. Secures external funding for these programs that address the needs and learning behaviors of beginning, small-scale, and limited resource growers.

This position 1) designs and develops educational programs based upon solid needs assessments and/or situational analysis of horticultural production stakeholders; 2) collaborates with academic and research faculty, county staff, regional/district directors at NCAT and NCSU, state program leaders, the ANR program leader, and other extension specialists and research scientists to develop and manage relevant research-based horticulture program initiatives; 3) develops and conducts training programs for Extension field faculty and community stakeholders that focus on environmentally sustainable agriculture, specialty crops (including organic and nursery enterprises) and increasing on-farm efficiency and productivity; 4) assists field faculty and staff with respect to the planning and implementation of onsite educational demonstrations related to horticultural production and environmental stewardship.; 5) develops proposals and secures extramural funding for Extension horticultural programs that address the needs and learning behaviors of beginning, small-scale, and limited resource growers; and 6) conducts applied research on the A&T University Farm and on cooperating farms related to improved vegetable and fruit production techniques, season extension and specialty crops. The Extension Specialist reports to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader of the Cooperative Extension Program.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology. From our pioneering Laboratory Animal Science and Landscape Architecture programs to our award-winning Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs, our faculty and staff serve today's needs while keeping an eye on the future.
With programs and expertise in such areas as biotechnology, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resources management, waste management, and food microbiology, the A&T College of Agriculture grows concurrently with the demand for qualified graduates. Our four academic departments are the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; the Department of Animal Sciences; the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students will find a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, research and field work.
Through our Agricultural Research Program and our Cooperative Extension Program, we are able to research issues of importance to North Carolina and also provide research-based outreach training to citizens across the state and around the world.

- Ph.D. from an accredited university in horticulture or a closely related field.
- Two or more years of program development experience in Cooperative Extension or non-profit private sector.
- Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office)
- Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
- Valid Driver's license and personal transportation.
- Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.

- In addition to Ph.D., five or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension or agriculture and conservation in academia or the private sector.
- Knowledge gained through one or more years of experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Experience with statistical analysis software.
- Experience planning, implementing, marketing and evaluating educational programs.
- Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university such as business and industry, state and federal agencies and non-profit and private foundations.