Extension Faculty

Extension Faculty

Extension faculty work at the university level, conducting research and providing programming on their specialty area. Some may have a small undergraduate teaching assignment, but it is not the primary function of their role. They also seek out agriculture and natural resource needs in counties, inform university and state leadership and specialists of those opportunities and then develop and carry out appropriate responses to meet the identified needs.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?: 
  • Conduct research-based educational programs in area of expertise
  • Manage budget as it relates to research initiatives
  • Investigate, develop and refine value-added content to a variety of delivery platforms
  • Support extension educational programming in the state
  • Evaluate and report the impact of programs
  • Provide assistance in developing youth programming and education on topics of expertise
  • Seek out agriculture and natural resource needs in the state and then develop and carry out appropriate responses to meet needs
  • Develop volunteer networks and support strategies required to sustain programs
  • Teach courses at state land-grant universities
  • Conduct research that will be helpful to those in the state and produce resources based on that research
Recommended High School Courses: 
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, mathematics, business, English, computer skills, biology, chemistry and family and consumer sciences.
Education/Training Required: 
Extension educators have a master's or doctorate in a specialty area (i.e., animal science, leadership, agronomy, etc.).
Future Job Market Outlook: 
Typical Employers: 
Extension educators work at land-grant universities, in laboratories and may travel their assigned state to various locations to conduct programs or research.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations: 
  • National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
  • National Association of County Agricultural Agents
  • Organizations affiliated with your area of expertise (livestock, horticulture, etc.)
Average Annual Full-Time Salary: 
$76,000
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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.