Agronomic Program Manager – NC State Employment

Job Description:

The Agronomic Division provides statewide diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management and safeguard environmental quality. The Division is comprised of three laboratory sections and a Field Services Section with a combined total of 58 employees. The Division maintains a very active, employee-led safety program and is recognized as a Public-Sector Star site by the NC Department of Labor.

Job Responsibilities:

• The primary role of this position is supervision and management of a state-wide, regional network of thirteen agronomists who provide on-site assistance to help growers implement nutrient management and nematode control programs in a cost effective and environmentally sound manner.
• This employee is responsible for planning, developing, and monitoring the Field Services Section in coordination with the three laboratory Section Chiefs and the Director.
• Duties include providing oversight and ensuring consistency of technical assistance provided by staff across the state
• Maintaining communication and collaboration with other state and federal agencies (NC Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Environmental Quality, NC Soil and Water Conservation, etc.), crop consultants, commodity groups and agribusiness
• Providing ongoing technical training for agronomists; coordinating outreach and field demonstration projects conducted by agronomists
• Maintaining detailed records and accountability of Field Services’ activities and providing agricultural updates to NCDA&CS General Administration and Emergency Programs.
• The employee collaborates with laboratory Section Chiefs and university researchers to conduct research that will address validity and robustness of grower recommendations and fine-tune interpretation and crop management.
• The employee will serve as media spokesperson for the Division and will coordinate public tours of the laboratories.
• The employee will ensure NCDA&CS and Division safety rules and policies are enforced, monitor the work environment for safety concerns and foster a culture of safety and participation in the Division’s Public-Sector Star Safety Program.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of the use of nematode assays to manage plant-parasitic nematodes
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of soil testing, soil fertility and soil management
• Knowledge of agricultural field experimental design
• Knowledge of environmental conditions and agricultural practices in the State
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, farmers, homeowners, and other professionals
• Ability to synthesize, organize and present scientific information in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing
• Ability to analyze and draw valid and applicable conclusions from conditions observed in the field
• Knowledge of plant, waste, solution and soilless media analysis for optimizing crop growth
• Ability to analyze research data to formulate valid conclusions
• Ability to manage employees and resources for desired outcomes

Qualification & Experience:

• Candidates with a master’s or Ph.D. level of education
• Supervisory experience
• Doctoral degree in agronomy, agricultural science, horticultural science, soil science, plant nutrition, crop science or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution
• Two years of experience in an advisory, experimental or educational aspects of plant nutrition or soil management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Details:

Company: State of North Carolina

Vacancy Type: Full Time

Job Location: Huntersville, NC, US

Application Deadline: N/A

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