Extension Educator
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position will work in the Southern Cluster units of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. The primary purpose of this position is to develop and conduct educational programs in commercial agriculture. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to fruit and vegetable growers, commercial horticulture, high tunnel and greenhouse production, alternative crops and other economically important crops within the cluster. This includes production, harvesting, packing and marketing, value-added production and processing as well as good agricultural practices, food safety, and other sustainability issues. Work with Extension colleagues within the cluster and other areas of Southern Maryland to address priority needs of the area’s agricultural producers.
The Extension Agriculture Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension educational programs for the agricultural community. The Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, industry and environmental groups in developing economic opportunities while protecting state’s natural resources. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate agriculture educational programs.
- Work with the UME Agriculture Action Teams,other teams and other agricultural service providers in Maryland to advance agricultural education to enhance service providers’ skills and capacity.
- Develop programs in vegetable production, vineyard management, orchard and farm management, agronomic crop production,value-added production,integrated pest management, pesticide use and safety, nutrient management, financial management, and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in the Southern Cluster counties.
- Development of grant funded projects to secure extramural funding to enhance/expand educational programs including applied and demonstration projects.
- Develop and implement educational programs focused on young and beginning farmers that assist them in operating a profitable agribusiness and collaborate with colleagues to develop innovative agriculture training programs.
- Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of rural economic development initiatives and develop collaborations with local Economic Development Offices to increase economic opportunities for agricultural producers.
- Supervision of Nutrient Management Advisors; review of farm nutrient management plans.
- Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
- Develop strong relationships with local agriculture county government organizations, including the local Farm Bureau and Soil Conservation District. Serve as the local UME representative including attendance at board meetings.
- Develop intellectual activities that are validated by peers and communicated; such as educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension publications, articles in refereed publications, participation in Extension or university research, conference posters, professional presentations, etc.
- Serve on County/City, regional, college and university committees, non-university committees, leadership on committees, leadership in professional associations, and special assignments/accomplishments, etc.
Qualifications:
Required–
- Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, or other closely related field.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with farm producers and community leaders.
- Demonstrated achievement in program development and evaluation; originality and creative ability in designing new programs.
- Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
- Must be willing to travel within the region and state.
- Flexible working hours required;must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings.
- Must become certified Maryland nutrient managemen tadvisor/consultant and obtain the commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency.
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred–
- Ph.D. in agronomy, horticulture or other closely related field
- Extension or similar work experience(e.g.,work with formal or non-formal education and/or farm management experience).
- Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
- Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
- Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year, especially during the time of annual fair, 4-H residential or day camps and youth recreation activities. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
- Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $51,575; Ph.D.Base:
$61,650
The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Application Process:
To Apply: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/60655
A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae (uploaded as the required resume),copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three(3)professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: For best consideration,complete application by 7/6/18. Position will remain open until filled.
The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.