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As a Local Extension Agent, you will be part of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), a dynamic organization that advocates positive change for more productive lives and vibrant communities. You will be a professional educator working with other faculty members at Virginia's land-grant universities - Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. You will bring research-based knowledge to people, helping them solve their everyday problems. VCE operates over 100 local offices and six 4-H Educational Centers to bring our Extension agents close to all the people of the commonwealth. Local people participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of VCE's needs-driven programs. VCE is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments. It is Virginians working with Virginians in their communities - metropolitan and rural. Recognizing that knowledge is power, our business is helping people to solve their own problems through research-based educational programs. We use workshops, seminars, demonstrations, publications, telephone, radio and TV programs, satellite broadcasts, and interactive computer programs to reach people in their homes, schools and workplaces.
Virginia Cooperative Extension's mission is to enable people to improve their lives through an educational process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs. Our Vision: HELP clientele improve their lives. RESPOND to the needs of individuals, groups, and organizations. PROVIDE prompt access to information and programs. TARGET resources to programs for low-income groups and at-risk youth. RECRUIT, manage, and reward faculty and staff to reflect each person's uniqueness and value. VCE is committed to achieving and sustaining diversity and pluralism in every aspect of its organization: mission and vision, work force, programs, audiences, and relationships with other people and organizations. More information about Virginia Cooperative Extension
You will determine program needs of your community by monitoring trends and issues. You will work with Extension leadership councils and advisory committees, local government and school officials, and community organizations and leaders. With their help and input, you will design programs to meet needs of target audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources. You will inform clientele of program activities. You will use your knowledge of current research information and appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs, workshops, seminars, conferences, and field trips and tours, as well as one-on-one visits. You will develop and implement evaluation plans, recruit and utilize volunteers, and report results to the public, and VCE and local administrations.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents conduct educational programs that sustain profitibility in agricultural and forestry production while protecting and enhancing land and water resources.
4-H Youth Development Agents provide leadership to education programs for youth and adults. You will work with volunteers, public schools, and other organizations to develop and deliver researched-based, hands-on learning experiences that contribute to the positive and healthy development of youth.
Family and Consumer Sciences Agents provide leadership to research-based educational programs that support and promote family self-sufficiency, health and wellness and community stability. These programs provide research-based information that empowers individuals, families, and communities to make food, nutrition, and activity choices that support healthy lifestyles and reduce the risks of chronic diseases. The programs are driven by local needs and may include financial management education such as preparation for home ownership, home maintenance, entrepreneurship and creating home-based businesses that relate to food, crafts, child or adult day care, or agri-tourism. Other programs support family stability across the lifespan, helping families and individuals of all ages and special needs acquire skills in mentoring, effective parenting, anger management, and appropriate discipline and supervision. FCS agents work with local leaders to help communities identify their needs as related to youth, families, and at-risk populations and provide leadership in the creation of community coalitions that foster programs and interventions to address the local needs.
Agent faculty positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. A Master's degree and at least one degree in a discipline related to the subject matter speciality area is preferred. A Master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment. Strong communication skills; ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers; and experience in developing positive interactions with the public are required. Experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs is preferred.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
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4-H Youth Development
Family and Consumer Sciences
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TO APPLY: Applicants are required to apply electronically online to: https://jobs.vt.edu. In addition to the faculty online application, applicants are required to submit by attachment a cover letter, complete resume, and reference contact information of three individuals (name, telephone number and email address). (TIP: Have these documents ready to attach at the time you submit your faculty application; the system will not allow you to enter a second time for any position).
Applicants are also required to mail a copy of official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to:
Dr. Ray Ali, Associate Director, Field Operations 115 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech 0908 Blacksburg, VA 24061