Extension Area Specialized Agent for Ag Economics & Farm Innovation – Southeast District

Job Description

The Extension Area Specialized Agent (ASA) for Ag Economics and Farm Innovation is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and expertise to producers, Extension agents, and the agricultural community in Virginia Cooperative Extension’s (VCE) Southeast District. The ASA will be housed at the Tidewater AREC and will provide services throughout the 22 counties and independent cities within the district. The ASA will work closely with Extension agents and specialists in delivering educational programming that enhances the agricultural productivity and sustainability of producer operations, with specific emphasis on crop production. The ASA will also be expected to evaluate the economic efficacy of new technologies, and the technology’s ability to contribute to the profitability and sustainability of producer operations in their unique contexts. This position will play a key role in enhancing agricultural sustainability, economic viability, and community well-being to the area farming communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and resources for Extension agents and agricultural producers that promote innovative agricultural practices to increase farm productivity and efficiency.

Assist Extension agents and agricultural producers with cost-benefit analyses, budgeting, and financial planning, as it relates to the cost and sustainability of agricultural innovation.

Conduct economic assessments of agricultural practices, projects, and business decisions to help local farmers maximize their profits.

Collaborate with Virginia Tech specialists to conduct field trials and research programs to assess the economic impact of innovative farming practices.

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Develop external resources to support programs.

Communicate program impacts with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in agricultural economics or a related discipline.
• Five or more years of experience working in agricultural economics or farm business management, Cooperative Extension, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of applied agricultural economics, crop production, and agricultural technology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including businesses, community organizations, and/or Extension agents and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management. Strong presentation skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong desire to help clients succeed

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of agronomy and local cropping systems.
• Prior experience as an Extension Agent

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

July 12, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver’s license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Janet Spencer at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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