Description:

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 animal science, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Program. Specifically, the Extension Specialist in Animal Production leads a collaborative team of researchers, Extension associates, Extension agents, technicians, and key stakeholders to determine the educational needs of small, part-time, and limited resource livestock producers and develop curricula in response to those needs.

This is a non-tenured track faculty ( NTTF ), twelve-month position at the rank of "Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice – Extension Animal Production Specialist” in Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T. The position’s incumbent is eligible for title promotion and academically housed in the Department of Animal Sciences. As NTTF faculty, this position can be released, up to 25% of time and effort once per year, to teach for-credit academic coursework.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at N.C A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For additional information, please visit (http://www.ncat.edu).

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T serves small, beginning and limited resource farms throughout North Carolina. Many of the clients served are fruit and vegetable operations, niche livestock farms, and other small entities. Following organic, holistic and regenerative practices are often a priority for our clients. Effective Extension programming, applied research, and production recommendations for this audience must consider the small scale (1-20 acres, less than $250,000 gross agricultural income) of typical stakeholder farm operations as well as the desire of some producers to avoid the use of pesticides and other conventional techniques that may be considered non-regenerative.

Resources available to specialists in this Unit include the 492-Acre University Farm with units representing the diversity of agriculture found in North Carolina including a livestock production units for various species and production systems. All standard agricultural production equipment is available at the farm with many specialized implements applicable to small farm practices. Space and resources at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems ( CEFS ) in Goldsboro, NC are also available and encouraged for applied research. A cohort of Extension colleagues works together to serve our clients through the system of field staff in place across the state and by directly serving growers through public educational events, field days, and by producing educational materials of various types.

Internal job number: 008590

Requirements:

• Ph.D. from an accredited university in Animal Science or a closely related field.

• Broad knowledge of animal agriculture, including swine and/or small ruminant animal production.

• 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.

• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds safely to conduct livestock demonstrations and training.

Preferred:

• In addition to earned Doctorate, two or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension, animal science research, academia, or the private sector.

• Specialized knowledge of at least one species/topic, including swine, small ruminant, poultry, or beef production, or pasture management.

• 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