Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Accomack County

Job Description The Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources. The agent is an educator, information provider, needs assessor, problem‑solving resource for clientele, and networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, Extension agents, and agency representatives. This position is housed in Accomack County, Virginia. Responsibilities Develop new markets and educate producers about potential new markets, connecting growers with markets. Assist producers with understanding forces that create opportunities for collaborative marketing efforts. Increase producer development of value‑added agricultural products and potential adoption of specialized product opportunities such as aquaculture, viticulture, small fruit production, and other identified options. Collaborate on the development and expansion of agritourism enterprises, sustainable agriculture, and events promoting agriculture. Develop and expand web‑based marketing efforts. Partner with and provide technical assistance to producer organizations. Pursue and collaborate on grant applications such as the Governor’s Agriculture and Forest Industries Development Fund, Governor’s Innovation Program, and Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. Collaborate with county, state, and federal departments and agencies to support agricultural producers. Work closely with County Economic Development, Extension Leadership Council, and stakeholders to respond to evolving issues and needs. Provide research‑based information to citizens using various delivery methods for broad audiences; collaborate with producers, agribusinesses, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils, and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems, and opportunities. Maintain communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors, and consumers. Maintain high proficiency in subject matter through ongoing training and professional activities. Work closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in emergencies and disaster response. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. 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, 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. Flexibility, adaptability, team‑oriented mindset, and strong desire to help clients succeed. Expected to travel to provide in‑person leadership and build community partnerships; limited telework exceptions. Master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent required no later than the sixth year of employment. Driver’s license check with an acceptable driving record required. Criminal conviction check required. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree preferred. Other Information Exempt: Not eligible for overtime. Appointment Type: Regular. Salary: $50,000 – $65,000. Hours per week: Varies. Close Date: June 16, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT)