The position is housed in Goochland County. Goochland County, traditionally a rural county, is located in central Virginia, 30 miles west of Richmond and 45 miles east of Charlottesville. Goochland residents recognize the value of their county’s rural charm. Goochland is bounded on the south by a 40-mile stretch of the James River and on the north by I-64. The combination of rural character and desirable location has caused residential growth to boom in the eastern part of the county. While residents understand that growth is inevitable, they wish to keep the county as rural as possible, and an 85/15rural/urban development plan is in place to accomplish this.
An Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that are designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems. The agent is an educator, an information provider, a needs assessor, and a problem-solving resource for clientele. The agent networks with the agriculture industry, Extension agents and specialists, and agency representatives. The ANR Associate Extension Agent: provides current research-based information to citizens through a variety of teaching methods targeted to diverse audiences; works closely with agricultural 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 local 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 subject matter proficiency by participating in training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing for and responding to emergencies and natural disasters. The Goochland Agricultural and Natural Resources agent will respond to a wide variety of client questions, interests, and needs. These are very likely to include, but will not be limited to: pasture and forage, equine, pond, small ruminant, beef cattle production, vegetable production, niche farming/marketing, and crop and soil-related management concerns, among others. The agent will conduct agriculture damage assessments in the event of severe weather and collaborate on county emergency plans. The agent will also collaborate with colleagues on agriculture-related youth programs and county field days, administer testing for private pesticide applicators, and conduct yearly recertification trainings. The agent will assist Extension Specialists with monitoring and sampling of insect pests on crops, assist localities with Rural Economic Development initiatives, and work with the Master Gardener Association, Soil and Water Conservation District, area farmers' markets, and a variety of other programming partners. The person in this position is expected to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.
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.
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.
