Agricultural Extension Agent

Agricultural Extension Agent

Salary

$39,500.00 - $50,000.00 Annually

Location

Statewide, SC

Job Type

Temporary Grant - Full-Time

Job Number

PSA022

Agency

South Carolina State University

Division

Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Please submit application on NEOGOV, upload a copy of your resume.

Residency Requirement

No

Class Code:

UK47

Position Number:

PSA022

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

CLN05

Hiring Range - Min.

$39,500.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$50,000.00

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

• Description
• Benefits

Job Responsibilities

1890 Research and Extension Public Service Agriculture aims on recruiting and supporting producers in adopting ecological resilience agriculture practices. Over its 125-year history, SC State has prioritized sustainable agriculture and natural resource programs, emphasized innovative farming technologies and alternative crops, and addressed production challenges for American Producers in South Carolina. In partnership with USDA, SC State University plans to enhance the economic viability of leafy green, peanut and beef cattle production while conserving natural resources through education, demonstration, guiding, and execution. Key objectives of this project include recruiting and providing technical and financial support to American producers on cover cropping, mulching and reduced tillage practices, particularly for peanuts, beef cattle, and leafy green producers. Consumer surveys and marketing strategies will assess and promote ecological commodities, ensure stakeholder communication and evaluate practice implementation.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Agricultural Extension Agent to spearhead the promotion of ecological resilience agricultural commodities across South Carolina State. This role involves developing and executing marketing strategies to increase awareness, engagement, and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and products.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Provide science-based guidance to producers on implementing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices tailored to leafy greens, peanuts, and beef cattle.
• Assist in the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), soil health practices (e.g., cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage), and water conservation techniques.
• Support producers in adapting livestock management strategies that reduce environmental impact (e.g., rotational grazing, improved forage systems, manure management).
• Design, coordinate, and deliver workshops, field days, demonstrations, and on-farm trials that showcase ecological resilience practices.
• Collaborate with university researchers, USDA agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to bring innovative solutions to local producers.
• Develop educational materials (e.g., fact sheets, videos, newsletters) that translate research into practical knowledge.
• Help producers assess environmental risks (e.g., drought, pests, heat stress) affecting crops and livestock.
• Assist in creating farm-specific resilience plans that integrate agroecological principles and adaptive strategies.
• Promote diversification of cropping and livestock systems to buffer against market and environmental variability.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of ecological practices implemented on farms.
• Collect and analyze data related to yields, soil health, water use, pest/disease pressure, and livestock productivity.
• Report outcomes and lessons learned to stakeholders and funders to guide program improvements.
• Build trust and maintain strong relationships with diverse producers, including beginning, small-scale, and historically underserved producers.
• Serve as a local liaison to connect producers with cost-share programs, financial incentives (e.g., EQIP, CSP), and technical assistance from government agencies.
• Foster peer-to-peer learning networks and producer-led groups focused on ecological resilience.
• Inform producers about available funding sources, regulatory changes, and compliance requirements related to conservation and resilience.
• Support grant applications or participation in pilot programs aimed at ecological agriculture or conservation innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agroecology, Crop Science/ physiology or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, including integrated pest management (IPM), soil health, water conservation, and ecological-resilient livestock systems.
• Relevant experience working directly with producers in leafy greens, peanuts, and/or beef cattle systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop educational materials and deliver effective workshops, field days, and training sessions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with universities, USDA agencies, NGOs, and producer groups to advance agricultural innovation and ecological resilience.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and report on data related to crop/livestock performance, soil and water health, and ecological outcomes.
• Experience building trust and working with diverse farming communities, including small-scale, beginning, and historically underserved producers.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects, including on-farm trials, producer networks, and stakeholder reporting.
• Familiarity with federal conservation programs (e.g., EQIP, CSP), grant writing, and compliance with agricultural environmental regulations.
• Commitment to fairness, attachment, and community-based approaches in agricultural outreach and education.

Additional Comments

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency South Carolina State University Address 300 College Street, NE

Orangeburg, South Carolina, 29117

Phone 803-536-7047

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.