Extension Educator

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title:  Agent

Functional Title:  Extension Educator, Agriculture

Position Number:  103476

Category Status:  Faculty Non Tenured, On Track, Full-Time

Unit:  AGNR-UME- Lower Shore Cluster (Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties)

Home Office Location: UME Wicomico County Office, 28647 Old Quantico Road, Salisbury, MD 21801

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Extension Agriculture Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension educational programs for the agricultural community.  Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to fruit and vegetable growers, commercial horticulture and general agronomy. This includes production, harvesting, packing and marketing as well as good agricultural practices, 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 opportunities while protecting, as well as advocating for a science-based and responsible approach to handling the 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 education programs in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
• Develop and provide leadership in fruit and vegetable production, commercial horticulture, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, nutrient management, financial management and natural resource conservation for producers, as well as diverse and underserved populations, in the Lower Shore Cluster Counties.
• Teach targeted audience farming practices, procedures, techniques and skills that will ultimately result in positive behavioral and/or practice change over time.
• 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 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.
• Perform teaching, scholarship and service requirements of a faculty member of the University of Maryland.  This is a tenure track position requiring documented accomplishments in the areas of research, teaching, and service.  

Qualifications:

Required –

• M.S. in horticulture or agricultural sciences or related field of study.
• Background required in the area of fruit and vegetable production and commercial horticulture, with basic business and marketing skills.  Possess knowledge of agronomic farming practices that includes: IPM, high tunnel and greenhouse production, plasticulture systems, nutrient management, irrigation, and the harvesting and handling of safe produce under GAP protocol.
• 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 required. Must be willing to travel within the assigned counties and state.  
• 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.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management is required.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences –

• Ph.D. in horticulture or agricultural sciences or related field of study.
• Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work with community economic development, energy technologies and business education).  Experience working with volunteers desirable.
• 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.

Applications:

All candidates must apply online at www.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: For best consideration, apply by July 31, 2017 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.