AgrAbility Virginia promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on the farm through education, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology. AgrAbility Virginia is a partnership program between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Easterseals UCP. AgrAbility Virginia is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As a statewide program, AgrAbility Virginia works closely with Virginia's rehabilitation and agricultural service delivery system to increase organizational capacity and provide the best quality education and services for farmers across Virginia. AgrAbility Virginia works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and others to make recommendations for farmers regarding assistive technologies and new farm procedures and protocols that will make farming more comfortable and safer.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) takes pride in the premise that vital programming is based on the issues, problems, and needs of the people. A thorough analysis of the situation provides context for understanding these problems. This is a process of determining what situations exist at local, regional, and state levels, and for determining which problems have become issues of major public concern. Situation analysis provides the foundation and rationale for deciding which problems should receive the time, energy, and resources of VCE.

AgrAbility Virginia promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on the farm through education, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology. AgrAbility Virginia is a partnership program between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Easterseals PORT Health. AgrAbility Virginia is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As a statewide program, AgrAbility Virginia works closely with Virginia's rehabilitation and agricultural service delivery system to increase organizational capacity and provide the best quality education and services for farmers across Virginia. AgrAbility Virginia works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and others to make recommendations for farmers regarding assistive technologies and new farm procedures and protocols that will make farming more comfortable and safer.

A career in Extension offers a diverse and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community. This publication is based on a webinar with experienced Extension professionals who shared insights, tips, and encouragement for building a successful career in Extension. The information below is derived from that conversation and is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather a starting point for defining your strategies for success as you embark on your career. Finding your place in the diverse world of Extension takes time, relationships, conversations, and self-honesty. You have a network of colleagues cheering for your success!

Extension offers many paths to leadership at the district and state level. This publication is based on an online seminar with experienced Extension professionals sharing their insights, tips, and experiences applying and interviewing for various district and state roles. The information below is derived from that conversation and is intended to offer strategies and advice for district and state level applications and interviews.

Extension offers many paths to leadership at the district and state level. This publication is based on an online seminar with experienced Extension professionals sharing their insights, tips, and encouragement for exploring leadership opportunities in Extension. The information below is derived from that conversation and is intended to be a starting point for thinking about opportunities to stretch your leadership skills and potentially take on formal leadership roles.

Since 1914, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) has connected the research knowledge of Virginia’s land-grant universities — Virginia Tech and Virginia State University — with the needs of communities across the commonwealth. With 107 offices, one in every county and in many cities, VCE delivers solutions in agriculture, natural resources, health, youth development, and community vitality. This 10-year strategic plan provides a forward-looking roadmap for VCE to expand its impact, build organizational strength, and respond to the evolving needs of Virginians.

One key responsibility of VCE unit leader positions is the preparation, submission and approval of local budget requests. UCs/UEDs must also manage locally appropriated funds in full compliance with Virginia Tech (VT) and VCE policies and procedures.

VCE unit leaders foster strong relationships and maintaining open communication with local government officials to keep them informed of Extension activities and included in relevant initiatives. Unit leaders actively engage with local government, support community priorities, and seek opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that align with Extension’s mission and the needs of the locality.

VCE unit leaders use a coaching style to motivate, encourage, and support unit staff. Leaders foster a positive work environment and manage interpersonal dynamics within the unit, including conflict, to ensure a collaborative and productive team culture.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Human Resources office to develop and recruit for classified staff, wage and faculty employment positions. Unit Leaders ensure that hiring efforts align with VCE’s standards and attract candidates who are well-suited to serve the needs of the local community.

Unit leaders are expected to organize regular unit meetings, designed to foster team cohesion and identify opportunities for collaboration. Unit Leaders also share key district and state-level initiatives, and reinforce policies and expectations to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

VCE unit leader positions cultivate strong local relationships and partnerships which help the unit identify individuals who can serve on Extension Leadership Council (ELC) to reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Units can leverage the collective input of an ELC to guide programming decisions. and ensure that Extension programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with local interests.