AGENT
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
AGENT
Extension Educator
Agriculture/Natural Resource Science
Faculty, Tenure/Tenure Track
Position Number 103459
Location:
Dorchester County Extension Office, P.O. Box 299, Cambridge, MD 21613-0299 (County Building 501Court Lane).
Provide leadership in domestic crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, nutrient management, financial management and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Dorchester County. Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of rural economic development initiatives including, but not limited to agri-tourism, wholesale markets, Master Gardener Programs, AGNR marketing, value-added enterprises and provide consultation/facilitation to county governments on the issues of land use, planning and other AGNR issues.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs in crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, nutrient management, financial management, natural resource conservation and provide leadership in the identification of plant insects and diseases.
- Develop, promote, implement and evaluate educational programs on rural economic development initiatives including, but not limited to agri-tourism, wholesale markets, Master Gardener Programs, AGNR marketing, value-added enterprises and provide consultation/facilitation to county governments on the issues of land use, planning and other AGNR issues.
- Develop collaborations with the County Economic Development Office and the Mid-Shore Economic Development Coordinator to increase economic opportunities and new markets for AGNR products, agri-tourism, marketing and value added enterprises.
- Supervision of administrative assistant and Nutrient Management Advisor; review of farm nutrient management plans.
- Development of grant funded projects to enhance/expand educational programs.
- Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations, Dorchester County Soil Conservation District, and Farm Bureau.
- Prepare information for the media and utilize a variety of delivery modes.
- Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
- Creative 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, editorships, and special assignments/accomplishments, etc.
Qualifications:
Required –
- Master’s degree required for agent tenure/track position. Major area of study in fields such as Agriculture Education, Applied Plant Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field.
- Two (2) years experience in agricultural rural economic development or agri-business.
- Must become certified Maryland nutrient management advisor/consultant and obtain the commercial pesticide applicators license in category X-public agency.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with farm producers and community leaders.
- 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.
- Evidence of excellent teaching & communication skills.
Preferred –
- Experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
- Extension or similar work experience preferred (e.g., work with formal or non-formal education and/or farm management experience).
Salary/Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a base salary of $44,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications:
A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, official transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and E-mail address. This information should be sent to:
Ms. Barbara V. Duncan
Director Human Resource Management
1119 Symons Hall, University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-5551
Closing Date:
Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2008 or until a suitable candidate is selected.
Minorities and Women are Encouraged to Apply
The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
For more information, contact Janet Carroll
Last updated: 04/28/2008