This position will be housed in the Roanoke Office in Roanoke, Virginia. However, the position will cover Roanoke and Botetourt Counties and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem. The total population for these localities is approximately 251,221. Roanoke is among the few metro areas that enjoys immediate proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sixty one public schools provide education for the youth in the Roanoke Valley. Medium household incomes range from $38,000 in Roanoke City to $60,000 in Roanoke County. Botetourt County is located at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, lying in a broad valley between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and is often referred to as The Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. Situated just north of Roanoke, it is a land of farms, orchards, small towns, and national forests. Botetourt offers the advantages of small town and rural life with the nearness of a large city and the medical, economic and cultural contributions Roanoke offers. The approximately 349,000 acres in Botetourt are comprised of rolling hills, forests, streams and rivers. Soils in river and creek bottoms can be very productive and make for excellent crop ground. Agriculture (Commercial Horticulture) is extremely important to the overall economy of these localities. The Horticulture Agent will work with producers in the areas of commercial vegetables, fruit production, agribusiness, agriculture tourism, home horticulture and landscaping, and community gardens. This position will also work with producers/vendors that participate in local farmers markets. Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent positions require a service mentality as well as process and subject matter expertise to plan, implement and evaluate research based educational programs for diverse audiences. The Extension Agent provides current research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; work closely with producers, agribusiness, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific locals needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in in service training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed.
The Extension Agent provides current research-based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; work closely with producers, agri-business, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific locals needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in in-service training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed.
Extension Agents recognize the importance of all communities and broad reach in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively working to increase program participation of all people. Extension Agents are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and equal opportunity compliance.
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree will be hired at the Associate Extension Agent title level. A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.
