What is the most rewarding part of this job? The most rewarding part about being a county extension agent/educator is seeing the difference you can make in the community. You get to use trusted university resources and apply that knowledge to solve local problems and improve people’s lives.
Background Information: An extension agent/educator is a person that works within the county to connect university research with the community’s needs to troubleshoot problems related to agriculture. Agents/educators also use their resources to create and facilitate educational outreach programs to inform people of all ages about agriculture.
Experience/Education Needed: To be successful in this position, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an agriculture-related field are required, but you could have a PhD or DVM. Degrees include dairy or animal science, soil science, agronomy, entomology, horticulture, agriculture education, and more. Preparation for this career can be done through internships, field experience, and volunteer opportunities.
Average Salary Range: The average starting salary range is about $40,000 to $45,000 but can be as much as $60,000 or $70,000 depending on how long you’ve been an extension agent/educator.
Career Roadmap: These are the steps one might take to get to this career.
Figure out what you are most passionate about. Get your bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field. While in college, get involved with agricultural student organizations or university extension professors or programs. Figure out how to finance graduate school. Graduate research may be a good opportunity and could finance your master’s degree. Complete your master’s degree in an agriculture-related field and then get connected with other extension agents and offices to get more experience in the field. Look for opportunities and job openings to head-start your career.
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