Virginia Tech® home

Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

Position Description

Overview

Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents take a holistic approach to the development of programming that is designed to improve the well-being of Virginia residents. They plan, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs. Programming is tied to community needs and directed toward families and individuals. The position requires a service mentality and a balance between process skills and subject matter expertise.

Specialty Areas

  • Nutrition/Wellness
  • Family Financial Education
  • Family and Human Development

Major Responsibilities

  • Partner and collaborate with VCE agents, agencies, nonprofit and other organizations and the public to meet the educational needs of local residents.
  • Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs in one of the above specialty areas to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
  • Determine program needs by monitoring trends and issues, involving Extension Leadership Councils and other leadership groups, including interagency and collaborative bodies.
  • Determine program goals and objectives and identify needed financial and human resources.
  • Utilize various media effectively to inform clientele of program activities through effective promotion and marketing practices and tools.
  • Serve as a liaison to other extension agents for meeting the educational needs of local residents that fall outside the specialty/content area of the individual FCS agent.
  • Use appropriate technologies to plan and deliver educational programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, media, one-on-one visits, field trips, tours and other methods.
  • Maintain knowledge of current research information in one of the specialty areas.
  • Use computer applications appropriate to the subject-matter being delivered and the collecting of data for reporting purposes
  • Develop and implement evaluation plans for key programs.
  • Report impacts, outcomes to clientele, public, administrators and other key stakeholders.
  • Maintain and foster relationships with the public and key stakeholders.
  • Identify and attract resources to support the delivery of programming.
  • Programming will be conducted in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Civil Rights policies and procedures.

Required Educational Qualifications

All applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas: Family and Consumer Sciences, Foods/Nutrition and Health, Dietetics, Health and Wellness, Family/Child Development, Financial Management, Resource Management, Family Economics, Family/Human Development, Child Development, Gerontology, Education, or a relevant discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred. A master’s degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Other Qualifications

  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to recruit, train and manage volunteers.
  • Experience in developing positive interactions with the public.
  • Experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs.
  • Maintain a personal commitment to working with diverse clientele and colleagues, and a willingness to further the civil rights goals of Virginia Cooperative Extension.