Monday, November 14, 2016

University of Maryland Extension Agent

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title:  Agent
Position Number: 103454
Category Status:   Faculty Non-Tenured, On Track
Unit:  AGNR-UME-Cecil

Location:  Cecil County Extension Office, County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Boulevard,
     Suite 1500, Elkton, MD 21921

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:             
The primary purpose of this tenure-track position is to plan, implement and evaluate community-based education programs focusing on health living. Educational programs should be designed to meet the needs of priority audiences as identified through local needs assessment. Healthy living programs for families and communities may focus on healthy living concepts and environments, including the need for families and individuals to understand and use information to make informed health decisions that ultimately result in improved health outcomes. The educator will utilize an integrated approach to address complex issues impacting Upper Shore and Maryland families. Potential areas of focus include healthy homes and living environments, health literacy, wellness, chronic disease prevention and management, and community health education. It is anticipated that financial capability, food safety, and healthy eating and food preparation goals and outcomes will be integrated through partnerships and collaborations as appropriate to meet local needs.

Responsibilities:
·       Provide cluster and Eastern Shore leadership for the development, implementation and evaluation of healthy living educational programs.
·       Collaborate with colleagues across Maryland to implement signature healthy living programs for targeted priority audiences that meet local priority needs and address UME statewide priorities.
·       Engage clientele in the education process using learner-centered strategies and targeted outcomes that result in improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and skills leading to positive behaviors and practices.
·       Utilize planned evaluation strategies as outlined in the Healthy Living Focus Area Plan.
·       Actively engage in Healthy Living Action Teams to develop and implement statewide priority programs.
·       Develop partnerships and collaborations with colleagues, campus specialists, external organizations, and government agencies to implement educational programs and better serve clientele.
·       Utilize educational materials from University of Maryland, and other state/national extension programs and universities, government and NGOs that are grounded in research and science and are evidence-based and non-biased.
·       Generate funding through the development of proposals to supplement and enhance local programming efforts, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery efforts.
·       Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, peer reviewed articles in refereed journals, etc.
·       Actively participate in professional service such as relevant committees, boards, and associations at the local, departmental, and university levels.
·       Participate in and lead appropriate applied and problem-solving research.
·       Actively participate as a member of the Extension team to enhance the ability of UME to better serve its audiences on the Upper Shore and across the state of Maryland.
·       Provide program delivery support to other UME Educators, as planned and as requested, when appropriate and relevant to areas of expertise.

Qualifications:
Required –
·       MS Degree in family & consumer sciences, community health, public health, environmental health, or a closely related field.
·       General understanding of educational program development and evaluation process.
·       Evidence of ability to effectively communicate with and engage diverse clientele.
·       Demonstrated evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills.
·       Ability to think and act independently, yet work successfully as a member of a cohesive team.
·       Strong interpersonal skills to support the development of successful collaborations.
·       Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Outlook.
·       Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
·       Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout Upper Shore, as well as the State of Maryland as needed.
·       Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
Preferences –   
·       Ph.D. preferred in a relevant program area.
·       Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community education.
·       Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.
·       This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Salary & Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience. Masters: Base $49,575 – Ph.D.: Base $59,650. Position is a full-time tenure track position. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu  A complete application packet includes a cover 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: Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by December 1, 2016.



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.