1

Extension Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Extension Agent (1) collaborates with county and community based organizations to deliver programs and recruit program participants; (2) determines program needs and priorities by conducting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Extension Agent information

See salary details

$33K

$50.6K

$96.5K

How much do extension agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for extension agent in the United States is $50,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $49,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Extension Agent Do?

An extension agent works for a county, region, or state and serves as an expert on industry advances in agriculture, economic growth, animal production, diet, nutrition, or community development. Your duties include developing and executing educational programs in your interest area. You plan programs that empower citizens to implement change in the community. Other responsibilities include creating and utilizing assessments to evaluate the impact of your programming. You may work as an educator with non-traditional learners, agricultural stakeholders, or environmental groups. You also develop and sustain volunteer programs. Extension agents speak at industry events and civic organization meetings as well.

What are Extension Agents?

Extension Agents are professionals who work with local communities to provide educational programs and resources, often through universities or government agencies. They help individuals and groups improve their agricultural practices, health, youth development, and community well-being by sharing research-based information. Extension Agents often specialize in areas like agriculture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, or natural resources. Their work involves organizing workshops, field demonstrations, and providing one-on-one support to address local needs.

What is the difference between Extension Agent vs Agriculture Specialist?

AspectExtension AgentAgriculture Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in agriculture, education, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in agriculture or related discipline
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, outdoor, educational settingsResearch facilities, farms, or corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, non-profitsResearch institutions, private companies, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Extension Agents and Agriculture Specialists both work in agriculture-related fields, often with overlapping educational backgrounds. Extension Agents focus on community outreach, education, and applying research to help farmers and the public. Agriculture Specialists typically work in research, analysis, and technical support within research institutions or private sectors. While their roles differ in focus, both require similar credentials and are vital in advancing agricultural practices.

What degree do you need to be an extension agent?

To become an extension agent, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or community development is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree or additional certifications depending on the specialization and responsibilities.

What does an extension agent do?

An extension agent provides education and support to communities on topics such as agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, and community development. They often organize workshops, conduct research, and collaborate with local organizations to improve practices and knowledge in their area of expertise.

What are some common challenges Extension Agents face when working with diverse communities?

Extension Agents often work with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, youth, and local organizations, each with unique needs and perspectives. A common challenge is adapting educational programs to effectively engage diverse audiences, especially in areas with varying literacy levels or limited access to resources. Building trust and maintaining strong relationships within the community requires strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Extension Agents must also stay updated on the latest research and best practices to address evolving local issues.

How much do extension agents make?

Extension agents typically earn an average salary of around $45,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the specific region, level of responsibility, and additional certifications or skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Extension Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Extension Agent, you need a background in agriculture, education, or a related field—often with a bachelor's or master's degree—and strong knowledge of community outreach and program development. Familiarity with data collection tools, presentation software, and specialized agricultural technologies is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills help engage diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for effectively delivering research-based information and fostering positive change within target populations.

How much do extension agents make a year?

Extension agents typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work in community outreach, education, and agricultural programs, with salaries varying by region and employer.
What cities are hiring for Extension Agent jobs? Cities with the most Extension Agent job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Extension Agent jobs? The top employers for Extension Agent jobs are:
What states have the most Extension Agent jobs? States with the most job openings for Extension Agent jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Extension Agent jobs? For Extension Agent jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Extension Agent job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,572 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources - Jefferson County

Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources - Jefferson County

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources - Jefferson County Requisition Number RE55050 Working Title Department Name 81C06: KCES Region Central Area 06 Work Location Louisville, KY Grade Level 00 Salary Range Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

No set minimum requirements.

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

No set minimum requirements.

Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Job-related travel including overnight stays; visiting clientele at sites throughout the county (including farms); standing/walking for long periods; handling of average-weight objects up to 25 lbs.
Shift
Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) with evenings and weekends as needed. Most weeks will exceed 40 hours.
Job Summary
Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources - Jefferson County
Location: Louisville, KY
The Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources will provide leadership for educational programs in agriculture, horticulture and natural resources for Jefferson County. The Agent responsibilities include: (1) developing the agricultural & horticultural proficiency of local citizens through educational programs; (2) providing agricultural expertise to answer questions and solve problems related to agriculture, horticulture and natural resources; (3) developing field trails, test demonstrations and result demonstrations in related areas; (4) utilizing and/or developing councils, advisory groups, and committees to facilitate community involvement in programming; (5) jointly sharing responsibility in community programming around issues involving leadership development, community involvement, local government, community services and other forms of community economic development; (6) support the dissemination of useful and practical information regarding urban agricultural and environmental practices and the local food systems. Emphasis on horticulture and diversified agriculture.
All agents in a county will support the dissemination of useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture, Family Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Community and Rural Development as outlined in the KRS statues 164.605 to 164.675.
State law requires a national and state criminal background check and a letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services stating the employee is clear to hire based on no findings of substantiated child abuse or neglect found through a background check of child abuse and neglect records as a condition of employment or involvement in this program.
Resume, cover letter and transcripts are required at time of application.
Visit the Extension Careers page: https://ces-personnel.ca.uky.edu/careers
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing with groups and individuals and through mass media. Ability to use the computer for program delivery and management. Ability to visit clientele at sites throughout the county. Ability to plan and teach educational programs. Demonstrated leadership and ability to serve as a positive role model.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Agronomy/Plant Science/Horticulture; Agriculture Education/Leadership; Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology; Agriculture Economics; Animal Sciences; Community and Leadership Development; Equine Science and Management; General Agriculture; Forestry; Landscape Architecture; Natural Resources and Environmental Science; Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems; General Biology; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics; Physiology and Behavior; Plant Biology.
Driver's License preferred
Deadline to Apply 07/30/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

What University Of Kentucky employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Kentucky logo

About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865