Brief Description of Duties:
The Project Specialist reports to the Assistant Director of Center of Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education within the College of Agriculture Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The Project Specialist designs, implements, and coordinates research, community outreach, and education initiatives that advance knowledge, technological innovation, and operational efficiency to improve the UDC Urban Food Hubs and other Urban Agriculture initiatives in the District of Columbia. Priority will be given to applicants with experience in Hydroponics, Aquaponics, and nutrient management. The Project Specialist carries out day-to-day activities in close collaboration with the Assistant Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education and the Associate Dean of Landgrant Programs to ensure alignment of all Specialty and Ethnic Crop initiatives with the strategic objectives of CAUSES. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors. Project Specialist will have supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops a research agenda around specialty and ethnic crops that prioritizes high value and nutritious specialty and ethnic crops
- Tests innovative food production methods that foster regional, national, and international recognition.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates education programs, incl. workshops and certificates and materials addressing specifically the value of specialty and ethnic crops
- Develops and implements and active program of research to address existing and emerging needs
- Teaches one academic course per semester or its equivalent in landgrant certificates in the field for which the incumbent qualifies.
- Maintains and completes required reports, including plan of work, program outcomes and achievements, and other documentation needed to assess program and research effectiveness.
- Maintains productivity standards prioritizing tasks effectively and managing resources (time, materials, and staff) in an efficient and effective manner.
- Develops and maintains an awareness of community needs by involving organizations, professionals and community members in program- and research planning in the relevant landgrant center.
- Uses a variety of available delivery modes to implement and assess program and research objectives using evidence based results.
- Collects information and data on the impact of programs and research projects and reports and reviews outcomes and objectives with program sponsors, community partners, and other appropriate stakeholders
- Maintains professional and leaderships competencies, and pursues opportunities for professional practice and leadership development.
- Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of protected data and other relevant information.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- The incumbent will hold a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) from an accredited college or university in related disciplines in agriculture and or environmental sciences
- A minimum of three years of experience in increasingly responsible position that demonstrated supervisory responsibilities.
- A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes oriented work
Job Posting: