This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
Also Known As:4-H Agent, 4-H Club Agent, 4-H Youth Development Educator, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, 4-H Youth Educator, Agricultural Agent, Agricultural Extension Agent, Agricultural Extension Educator +51 more
Advise farmers and demonstrate techniques in areas such as feeding and health maintenance of livestock, growing and harvesting practices, and financial planning.
Conduct classes or deliver lectures on subjects such as nutrition, home management, and farming techniques.
Collaborate with producers to diagnose and prevent management and production problems.
Research information requested by farmers.
Collect and evaluate data to determine community program needs.
Act as an advocate for farmers or farmers' groups.
Conduct field demonstrations of new products, techniques, or services.
Maintain records of services provided and the effects of advice given.
Prepare and distribute leaflets, pamphlets, and visual aids for educational and informational purposes.
Schedule and make regular visits to farmers.
Organize, advise, and participate in community activities and organizations, such as county and state fair events and 4-H Clubs.
Conduct agricultural research, analyze data, and prepare research reports.
Supplemental Tasks (3)
Set and monitor production targets.
Collaborate with social service and health care professionals to advise individuals and families on home management practices, such as budget planning, meal preparation, and time management.
Provide direct assistance to farmers by performing activities such as purchasing or selling products and supplies, supervising properties, and collecting soil and herbage samples for testing.
Education & Training
Job Zone 5Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Master's Degree
70%
Bachelor's Degree
15%
Less than a High School Diploma
4%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
4%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.