South Carolina State University’s Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs is hiring an Agricultural Extension Agent to spearhead the promotion of ecological resilience agricultural commodities across South Carolina, developing and executing outreach and marketing strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices for leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle producers.
About SC State University’s Extension Program
Legacy: 125-year history prioritizing sustainable agriculture and natural resource programs
Focus Crops: Leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle production across South Carolina
Partnership: Works directly with USDA to enhance producer economic viability and conserve natural resources
Innovation: Emphasizes innovative farming technologies, alternative crops, and cover cropping practices
Program Impact & Career Opportunity
Grant-Funded Role: USDA-supported project recruiting and supporting American producers in resilient agriculture
Community Reach: Direct engagement with beginning, small-scale, and historically underserved producers
Hands-On Impact: Deliver workshops, field days, and on-farm trials that translate research into practice
Career Growth: Build expertise in soil health, IPM, conservation programs (EQIP, CSP), and grant-funded extension work
Position Overview
This Agricultural Extension Agent role supports SC State University’s mission to enhance the economic viability of leafy green, peanut, and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources through education, demonstration, and guided implementation. You will provide science-based guidance on cover cropping, reduced tillage, integrated pest management, and rotational grazing, while building trusted relationships with producers across Orangeburg County and the wider South Carolina region.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Extension Agent with SC State University, you connect producers with USDA cost-share programs and technical assistance, help farmers adopt soil health and water conservation practices that build long-term resilience, deliver hands-on workshops and field days that translate research into real farm outcomes, support historically underserved and beginning producers with trusted, community-based guidance, and grow your career within a 125-year-old land-grant extension program.
Key Responsibilities
Sustainable Practice Guidance
- Provide science-based guidance on sustainable and resilient practices for leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle
- Assist producers in adopting integrated pest management (IPM), soil health, and water conservation techniques
- Support rotational grazing, improved forage systems, and manure management for livestock producers
- Help producers assess environmental risks such as drought, pests, and heat stress
Education, Outreach & Field Programming
- Design, coordinate, and deliver workshops, field days, demonstrations, and on-farm trials
- Develop educational materials including fact sheets, videos, and newsletters
- Foster peer-to-peer learning networks and producer-led resilience groups
- Collaborate with university researchers, USDA agencies, and NGOs on innovative solutions
Data, Evaluation & Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ecological practices implemented on farms
- Collect and analyze data on yields, soil health, water use, and livestock productivity
- Report outcomes and lessons learned to stakeholders and program funders
- Support grant applications and participation in pilot conservation programs
Producer Relationships & Program Connection
- Build trust with diverse producers, including beginning, small-scale, and underserved farmers
- Serve as a local liaison connecting producers to EQIP, CSP, and other cost-share programs
- Promote diversification of cropping and livestock systems to buffer market and climate variability
- Inform producers of funding sources, regulatory changes, and conservation compliance requirements
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 & Knowledge
- Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices including IPM, soil health, and water conservation
- Relevant experience working with producers in leafy greens, peanuts, and/or beef cattle systems
- Familiarity with federal conservation programs such as EQIP and CSP, plus grant writing experience
Essential Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for workshops, field days, and training sessions
- Proven ability to collaborate with universities, USDA agencies, NGOs, and producer groups
- Ability to collect, interpret, and report data on crop/livestock and ecological outcomes
- Strong organizational skills to manage on-farm trials, producer networks, and reporting
- Experience building trust with diverse and historically underserved farming communities
About South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University’s Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs has spent 125 years prioritizing sustainable agriculture and natural resource stewardship across South Carolina. In partnership with USDA, the university supports American producers through education, technical assistance, and on-farm demonstration, with this grant-funded initiative focused on enhancing the economic viability of leafy green, peanut, and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources for future generations.
Career Excellence: Join a land-grant institution driving real change for South Carolina’s agricultural producers.
Who Should Apply?
- Agronomy & Animal Science Graduates: Seeking hands-on extension and outreach careers
- Sustainable Agriculture Specialists: With IPM, soil health, or water conservation expertise
- Community Outreach Professionals: Skilled in building trust with diverse farming communities
- Grant & Conservation Program Coordinators: Familiar with EQIP, CSP, and USDA funding pathways
- Field Educators: Experienced in workshops, field days, and on-farm demonstration trials
Recently opened JOBS 👇🏻
Crop Consultant Jobs Jetmore KS 2026
Agronomy Operations Specialist Jobs Plymouth NE 2026
