Ag Extension Agent
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South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC, US
Summary
The Ag Extension Agent will recruit and enroll farmers into the Advancing Markets for Producers project and provide educational resources and problem-solving support. They are responsible for conducting field visits, collecting data, and developing training modules for climate-smart agriculture practices.
Job Description
SC State University Public Service and Agriculture (1890 Research and Extension) is seeking to hire three (3) Ag Extension Agents for the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) project. The Ag Extension Agents will be part of a multi-disciplinary research group consisting of the project management and leadership team, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate/undergraduate students and SC State 1890 extension agents.
The Ag Extension Agent is an educator, information provider, needs assessor, problem-solving resource for clientele, and networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, extension agents and agency representatives. Ag Extension Agents will serve as program assistants in the implementation for the Advancing Markets for Producers project. The Extension Agents will assist producers/farmers enrolled in the project from across the state of South Carolina. This position reports to the Advancing Markets for Producers Project Coordinator.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Facilitate, coordinate, and participate in the recruitment and enrollment of producers/ farmers into the Advancing Markets for Producers project.
• Conduct interest meetings and information sessions to recruit and enroll farmer/producers.
• Ensure effective communication and implementation of AMP project.
• Assist project management and leadership teams in implementing project goals and objectives especially field activities/operations.
• Assist in identifying and addressing participating farmers’ needs/interests while developing and implement strategies to address those expectations of the project.
• Coordinate and schedule field visits for postdocs, research technicians, and graduate students) and perform periodic farm visits for data collection and verification of conservation practices.
• Maintain contact with participating project farmers through farm visits and assist with program delivery and implementation.
• Attend trainings and disseminate information to project leadership and the broader climate-start community of stakeholders.
• Maintain complete and accurate individualized producer/farmer folder of records and reports.
• Visit enrolled farmers on an established project scheduled for data collection and verification.
• Assist in development of training modules for on-farm climate-smart agriculture practices.
Minimum Requirements for Entry into Position:
Individuals should possess a minimum master’s degree in agriculture or related area with at least one (1) to three (3) years of satisfactory professional job-related experience in agriculture related areas.
Preferred Requirements for Entry into Position:
Position may involve occasional bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds. Expected to work beyond the traditional 8:30 am - 5:00 pm work schedule. Must be able to work evenings and weekends, especially during the summer (35%)
