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Position Summary:
In the heart of Virginia's Southside region, Pittsylvania County is one of Virginia's leading agricultural localities. Significant livestock and cropping systems are operated by knowledgeable agricultural producers supported by a strong Cooperative Extension office. Pittsylvania County and the nearby City of Danville offer a low cost of living, friendly neighbors, small-town charm, and a wide variety of activities, festivals, and events. For more information visit http://www.experiencedpc.com/.
The Pittsylvania County ANR Extension agent position is focused on Animal Science, with specific emphasis on assisting livestock producers with farm profitability and sustainability considerations. Through educational programs such as producer meetings, workshops, demonstrations, on -farm consultations, and other methods the agent will focus on topics such as: techniques for improving beef quality and marketability through enhanced livestock nutrition, genetic, and health; livestock quality assurance and value added marketing; improving cost efficiencies and animal welfare; managing limited resources to optimize venues, and; increasing implementation of best management practices, among other topics. Youth livestock programming is an emphasis as well, with related responsibilities including coordinating the Pittsylvania/Caswell Livestock Show and Sale, preparing youth for livestock judging, Block and Bridle, and State Stockman's contests, and serving as educational advisor to the Pittsylvania 4-H Livestock Club. On occasion, the agent will field questions from clientele regarding general interest topics related to niche agricultural interests, home horticulture, pond management, and numerous other topics of interest to diverse clientele. And, interdisciplinary program with Extension agents working in youth, family, and community viability disciplines is also expected.
The Extension Agent provides current research-based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to diverse 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 recognizes 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.

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
-A master's degree is preferred.



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