Extension Agent, Ag-Hort (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

NC Cooperative Extension in Wake County is seeking a Horticulture Extension Agent. The Horticulture Agent is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) and will provide horticulture education to the citizens of Wake County through a variety of programming experiences. The agent will also proactively conduct need assessments and program evaluations to provide future direction for the programs and continue to grow a thriving Master Gardener Volunteer Program. The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

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 a 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 or school bell.

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 residents.

Wake County is located in central North Carolina, and as of 2026, its population exceeds 1.2 million people. Wake County is home to Raleigh, the state capital, as well as 12 other smaller municipalities, and N.C. State University. The county includes both urban and rural areas with a growing population of 66 residents per day placing significant pressure on existing agriculture producers and farmland. Wake County has 532,415 acres with 77,008 acres in farms. The popularity of North Carolina products is encouraging to traditional agriculture as well as fueling new agricultural operations.

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate Extension educational programs in commercial and consumer horticulture, including turf and ornamental, home gardening, fruits, and vegetables.
• Provide technical assistance to clientele on horticulture-related topics, including Integrated Pest and Disease Management.
• Lead, coordinate, and oversee the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, including recruitment, training, and continuing education for approximately 170 existing volunteers.
• Develop and deliver educational programs that promote the profitability and sustainability of North Carolina Green Industry professionals through research-based best practices, proven technologies, and effective business and financial practices.
• Collaborate with the Local Foods Agent, Food Security Manager, Agriculture and Natural Resources Team Lead, and community partners to support Community Food Systems and Food Security initiatives, policy, systems, and environmental efforts in Wake County.
• Support the Capital Area Food Network and provide leadership for the Community Garden Network.
• Develop and coordinate video production to support horticulture education and outreach programs.
• Support youth horticulture education and develop subject-matter-related 4-H youth programming.
• Develop and implement innovative marketing strategies to promote educational programs and evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes and demonstrated impact.
• Deliver educational programs through in-person and virtual formats to diverse audiences, including individuals, groups, volunteers, and industry professionals.
• Work independently and collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams to plan, coordinate, and implement Extension programming.