Extension Agent
Extension Agent
Extension agents are employed by land-grant universities and serve the citizens of that particular state by serving as an expert or teacher on a topic relating to economics, community development, agriculture, family, animal production, diet, and nutrition. Furthermore, they may be required to speak at industry events on a wide variety of topics.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?:
- Work with local, regional and state teams to identify issues in the interest area you work in
- Develop and execute educational programs on your interest area for the community
- Provide learning experiences that will empower people to improve their lives
- Conduct research if the position is in an academic settingÂ
- Teach formal courses to students enrolled at the land-grant university
- Investigate, develop and refine value-added content to a variety of delivery platform
- Create and utilize assessments to evaluate the impact of the programming
- Answer questions of local/state residents regarding your field of expertise
- Speak at industry events or at local civic organization meetings
- Develop volunteer networks in order to sustain programs
- Work with local 4-H clubs by leading or teaching programming
- Maintain a high level of visibility and facilitate communications with a wide range of clientele
Recommended High School Courses:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, family and consumer sciences, public speaking, writing, sciences, personal finance, and business.
Education/Training Required:
This can vary depending on the level of role as well as your area of expertise. Primarily a bachelor's or master's degree is required in either your subject area or agricultural and extension education. Those doing research and teaching at the university level may have a doctorate.
Future Job Market Outlook:
Typical Employers:
Extension agents are typically employed by state or county agencies.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- National Association County Agricultural Agents
- National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
- National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Agriculture and Applied Economics Association
- American Association for Agriculture Education
- American Water Resources Association
Average Annual Full-Time Salary:
$48,000
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Salary data is provided by the AgCareers.com Compensation Benchmark Review™.
These salaries should be considered as examples and are provided for educational and exploratory purposes.
The salary information provided should not be used as a benchmark. Actual salaries are influenced by numerous
variables including but not limited to demographics, size and scope of the role, level of experience,
qualifications, and education of the worker.
