COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)
Position Title: Extension Educator, Urban Agriculture
Category Status: Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty, Full-Time
Location: Baltimore City Extension Office, 6615 Reisterstown Road, Suite 201, Baltimore, MD 21215.
Description:
The Urban Agriculture Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension educational programs for Maryland urban communities and residents. Specifically,this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to urban agriculture and food systems including production, harvesting, packaging, marketing, food safety, and other sustainability issues. The Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, industry and environmental groups in developing economic urban farming opportunities while protecting, as well as advocating for a science-based and responsible approach to handling the state’s natural resources.
This position is closely aligned with the UME-1890 Program within University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and as such, demonstrable program accomplishments will be expected that align with the 1890 program mission via counsel with the 1890 Extension Administrator. Supervision of this position will be by the Area Extension Director and State 4-H Program Leader, with additional programmatic reporting to the 1890 Extension Administrator or his/her designee. The Extension Educator represents University of Maryland Extension (UME), the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Maryland at College Park.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Identify urban agriculture and food system needs, issues, and opportunities in Baltimore City; and when requested, this person would also share their expertise in other communities in Maryland such as: Annapolis, Columbia, Frederick, College Park, and the urban counties of Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s.
- Teach targeted audiences new urban farming practices, procedures, techniques and skills that will ultimately result in positive behavioral and/or practice change over time.
- Provide expertise and support for sustainable urban agricultural practices in field and greenhouse
- Serve as a Core Member on the Agriculture and Food Systems Focus Team, working collaboratively with UME Action Teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs, as well as how and where they need to be implemented across the state
- Establish a subject matter expertise in urban agriculture and lead appropriate applied and problem-solving research in that area.
- Interpret and disseminate the latest research findings in the fields relevant to the position utilizing publications and state of the art education and communication techniques.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
- M.S. degree in agricultural or horticultural sciences or related field of studies.
- Background in area of agriculture and natural resource economics, agriculture production and technologies, and basic business and marketing.
- Possess knowledge of sustainable farming practices that includes: integrated pest management (IPM); high tunnel and greenhouse production; plasticulture systems; irrigation and hydroponic systems; soil fertility, including urban soil heavy metal analysis; and the harvesting and handling of safe produce under GAP/FSMA protocols.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with volunteers and diverse clientele.
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel throughout the state
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
- Evidence of excellent teaching & communication skills.
Details:
- When offered employment by UME, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a clear background check by the State of Maryland and FBI before beginning work assignment.
- Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences in all socioeconomic levels a plus.
- Salary will be commensurate with experience. Masters: Base $$49,575 – Ph.D.: Base $59,650. The
- University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
To Apply:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, 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: April 7, 2016 or until an acceptable candidate is identified.
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.