Jobs
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is a dynamic organization that advocates positive change for more productive lives and vibrant communities. As a part of VCE, you will be a professional educator working with other faculty members at Virginia's land-grant universities -- Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Extension specialists and agents work on one of the university campuses, or at one of more than 110 field offices across the commonwealth.
Virginia Cooperative Extension's mission is to enable people to improve their lives through an educational process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs. If that mission appeals to you, we’d like to hear from you.
Extension Agent Positions are currently available in the following units: Agriculture and Natural Resources: Buckingham Fauquier Halifax Hanover Middlesex Nottoway Tazewell Westmoreland 4-H Youth Development: Frederick Prince William York Family & Consumer Sciences: Alleghany Bath Botetourt Culpeper Isle of Wight/Suffolk Pittsylvania |
Virginia Cooperative Extension continuously recruits for Extension Agent positions through an applicant pool process that follows these basic steps:
1. Interested parties apply to be considered in one of the three program area positions:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
4-H Youth Development
Family and Consumer Sciences
2. Applications are screened at the state level on a monthly basis and acceptable candidates are invited to a state level interview at Virginia Tech.
3. Candidates successful at the state level interview are placed in a pool of eligible candidates for field level interviews.
4. If and when a field level position that meets the applicant’s geographical criteria becomes available, applicants are referred to the field level interview.
5. Candidates successful at the field level interview may be offered a position, or may be placed back in the pool for further opportunities at a later date.
6. Candidates remain in the pool for one year.
TO APPLY: Applicants are required to apply electronically online to: https://jobs.vt.edu, in response to one of the program area applications listed below. In addition to the online application, applicants are required to submit by attachment a cover letter, complete resume, and reference contact information of three individuals (name, telephone number and e-mail address). (TIP: Have these documents ready to attach at the time you submit your faculty application; the system will not allow you to enter a second time for any position).
Applicants are also required to mail a copy of official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to:
Ray Ali, Ed. D.
Associate Director of Field Operations
Virginia Cooperative Extension
115 Hutcheson Hall (0908)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Job postings by program area:
Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources - Posting 071024
jobs.vt.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=187361
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development - Posting 071025
jobs.vt.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=187362
Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences - Posting 071026
jobs.vt.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=187363
Inquiries and questions should be directed to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Human Resources Department:
(540) 231-7619
TDD User: 1-800-828-1120
Fax: (540)-231-5545
E-mail: extpers@vt.edu
NOTE: Applicants with current or recent applications on file must re-apply for consideration. Unless otherwise notified, your application will remain active until September 30, 2008.
Applicant screening will be conducted on a continuous basis. Candidates selected for further consideration will be invited to a state level interview at Virginia Tech. Selected top candidates from state level interview will be invited to interview in the field.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Positions (other than Extension Agent)
Opportunities for employment with Virginia Cooperative Extension are posted on the Virginia Tech Personnel Services website.
To find job postings for VCE, follow these steps:
1. Go to http://jobs.vt.edu.
2. Select "Search Postings" from the left column.
3. Select "Agriculture & Life Sciences" in the block marked "College/Sr. Management".
4. Click the "Search" button at the bottom of the screen.
Note: This search will list all positions available within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Responsibilities: Agents must determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension leadership councils and other leadership committees; design programs to meet 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, seminars, conferences, one-on-one visits, on-farm demonstrations, field trips and tours; maintain knowledge of current research information; develop computer applications; develop and implement evaluation plans; recruit and utilize volunteers; and report results to clientele, public and administration.
Qualifications: Agent faculty positions require a bachelor's degree at time of employment with at least one degree in a discipline related to the subject matter specialty area. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing: ability to recruit, train and manage volunteers; and experience in developing positive interactions with the public are required. Experience planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating programs is preferred. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.
Extension agents hold lecturer rank, non-tenure track, professional faculty positions. Agriculture and Natural Resource agent positions and Family and Consumer Sciences positions have area responsibilities in their program specialty. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Specific position descriptions:
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance in the application process should make contact immediately.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Contact Us