Extension Agent -CRD (Cabarrus County)

Primary Purpose of Position

The focus area of the Cabarrus County CRD Agent will be Community Food Systems. This agent will take the lead in county and community programs and initiatives aimed at maintaining and strengthening the local food system through multiple perspectives. The role will primarily concentrate on consumers, businesses, markets, and policymakers, ensuring that the specific needs of Cabarrus County are addressed. These needs will be identified through periodic community assessments, with strategies adjusted accordingly.

The primary objective of this position is to connect local community members with local food sources by supporting local growers, producers, stores, markets, pantries, and food banks. Additional support for these entities may involve identifying grants and funding opportunities. Furthermore, the role includes increasing residents’ access to affordable, locally-grown food by implementing and sustaining in Cabarrus County markets and other related programs. This will be accomplished through collaboration with external organizations, the enhancement of existing programs, and the development of new initiatives.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master’s degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master’s degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.

The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Cabarrus County is a county located in the southwestern region of the state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 225,804, comprising six municipalities and twelve zip codes with the largest city, Concord, being the county seat. Cabarrus County is thriving as the eleventh largest county in North Carolina, ranks sixth in growth, and is the eight most densely populated county in the state. With a strong network of recreation centers and social and health services, our growing population enjoys a multitude of community benefits and this position will work to strengthen the food systems connection within all of these as the population continues to grow. With a current rate of 10% food insecurity, 25,000 residents who live in food deserts and 27,000 who receive food benefits, there are many who need our help accessing fresh nutritious food in the county.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in the major field of study (based on a 4.0 scale), or completion of a Master’s degree; a personal automobile and valid driver’s license; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

For all Agent positions, a Master’s degree is preferred.