Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources – Carroll County

Job Description

The position will be housed in the Carroll County Extension Office in Hillsville, Virginia. Carroll County is located in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of 29,242. Carroll County is known for scenic mountain views, hiking, fishing, golfing, canoeing, mountain music and annual festivals. The major industries in Carroll County include agriculture, food processing and manufacturing. The primary focus of this position will be livestock and forage production, harvesting and marketing. In Virginia, Carroll County ranks 28th in beef cattle production with approximately 31,568 head and 21st in sheep and goat production, resulting in over $20 million in sales annually. Forages account for approximately 23,298 acres of production.

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.

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.

A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Virginia Tech has an excellent benefits package; including graduate tuition waiver.

Required Qualifications

Agent faculty positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment. Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers; demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs; knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management and presentation skills; excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with broad audiences; ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed. The person in this position is expected to travel to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

A master’s degree is preferred.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$50,000 – $65,000

Hours per week

Varies

Close Date

March 9, 2026

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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, ethnicity or 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 Danny Peek at dpeek@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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