SC State University’s 1890 Research and Extension Public Service Agriculture program is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Agricultural Extension Agent to spearhead the promotion of ecological resilience agricultural commodities across South Carolina. In partnership with USDA, this role enhances the economic viability of leafy green, peanut, and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources through education, demonstration, and technical support.
About the Role — Sustainable Agriculture Outreach
Core Focus: Recruiting and supporting producers in adopting ecological resilience practices
Target Commodities: Leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle production
Partnership: Collaboration with USDA, universities, NGOs, and stakeholders
Legacy: Over 125 years of SC State’s sustainable agriculture programs
Job Type Info
Job Type: Full-Time, Field-Based Public Service Role
Focus Areas: IPM, soil health, water conservation, livestock management
Community: Emphasis on beginning, small-scale, and underserved producers
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Position Overview
The Agricultural Extension Agent develops and executes marketing and outreach strategies to increase awareness, engagement, and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across South Carolina. You will provide science-based guidance on integrated pest management, soil health, and water conservation, design and deliver workshops and on-farm trials, collaborate with USDA agencies and researchers, develop educational materials, help producers build farm-specific resilience plans, and monitor and report on the effectiveness of ecological practices implemented on farms.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Extension Agent, you directly help South Carolina producers build climate and market resilience, work at the intersection of research, USDA policy, and hands-on farming practice, build trust with diverse and historically underserved farming communities, connect producers to funding programs like EQIP and CSP, and contribute to a 125-year legacy of sustainable agriculture leadership at SC State University.
Key Responsibilities
Producer Guidance & Sustainable Practices
- Provide science-based guidance on sustainable and resilient agricultural practices
- Assist adoption of IPM, cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage
- Support livestock strategies such as rotational grazing and manure management
Workshops, Training & Collaboration
- Design, coordinate, and deliver workshops, field days, and on-farm trials
- Collaborate with university researchers, USDA agencies, and NGOs
- Develop educational materials such as fact sheets, videos, and newsletters
Resilience Planning & Risk Assessment
- Help producers assess environmental risks like drought, pests, and heat stress
- Create farm-specific resilience plans integrating agroecological principles
- Promote crop and livestock diversification to buffer market and environmental variability
Monitoring, Reporting & Community Engagement
- Monitor and evaluate ecological practices, collecting yield, soil, and water data
- Report outcomes and lessons learned to stakeholders and funders
- Build trust with diverse producers and connect them to cost-share and funding programs
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agroecology, Crop Science/Physiology, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred
Experience Requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable agriculture, IPM, soil health, and water conservation
- Relevant experience working directly with leafy green, peanut, and/or beef cattle producers
- Proven collaboration with universities, USDA agencies, NGOs, and producer groups
Essential Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for workshops and training delivery
- Ability to collect, interpret, and report data on crop/livestock and ecological outcomes
- Familiarity with federal conservation programs (EQIP, CSP) and grant writing
- Strong organizational skills managing multiple projects and producer networks
- Commitment to fairness and community-based agricultural outreach
About SC State University’s 1890 Research & Extension
Over its 125-year history, SC State University has prioritized sustainable agriculture and natural resource programs, emphasizing innovative farming technologies and alternative crops to address production challenges for American producers in South Carolina. In partnership with USDA, the university works to enhance the economic viability of leafy green, peanut, and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources through education, demonstration, and hands-on producer support.
Career Growth: Advance sustainable agriculture outreach with a historic land-grant institution’s public service agriculture program.
Who Should Apply?
- Agronomy & Environmental Science Graduates: Passionate about sustainable agriculture outreach
- Extension Professionals: Experienced working with leafy green, peanut, or beef cattle producers
- Agroecology Specialists: Knowledgeable in IPM, soil health, and water conservation
- Community-Focused Educators: Comfortable delivering workshops and building producer trust
- USDA Program Liaisons: Familiar with EQIP, CSP, and conservation grant programs
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