Job DescriptionVirginia Beach is a city of approximately 457,672 residents in Southeast Virginia. As a military community, the population is diverse and somewhat transient. The Horticulture Agent is responsible for community education programs that include environmental sustainability, water quality, as well as residential and commercial horticulture. Virginia Beach has a very active Master Gardeners Association. This position requires basic knowledge of horticulture, including vegetable production; integrated pest management, including plant physiology, pathology, weed science, and pesticide management; post harvest management; economics and marketing; water quality; biotechnology developments; field plot research; and demonstrations. The position requires basic knowledge of environmental issues, installation, maintenance and propagation of turf grass, woody ornamentals, interior plants, fruits, annuals, perennials; plant diagnostics and pest identification; soils, water and nutrient management. Agents must determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees; develop and deliver objective and research based educational programs to meet the needs of target audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources; inform clientele of program activities; use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver programs through workshops.Required QualificationsAgent 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 low income, limited resource and minority 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. Extension agents recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation and are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action. 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 QualificationsA master's degree is preferred.Appointment TypeRegularSalary Information$45,000 - $65,000Review DateMarch 7, 2024Additional InformationMust 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 TechDedicated 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 communitydedicated 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 medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch 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 ****** during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
