Agent (Extension Educator, Agriculture and Food Systems)
Job Description
Position Number:
103496Title:
AgentFunctional Title:
Agent (Extension Educator, Agriculture and Food Systems)Category Status:
02-Faculty Non-Tenured, On TrackApplicant Search Category:
FacultyUniversity Authorized FTE:
1.000Unit:
AGNR-UME-CarolineCampus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Home Office Location: UME Caroline County Office, 9194 Legion Road, Suite 4, Denton, MD 21629
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program. The AgFS Extension Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension education programs for the agricultural and food systems communities as well as consumers. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to agronomy and other areas of agriculture and food systems. This includes all aspects of production, harvesting, transport, storage, marketing, nutrient management, and sustainability. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. The AgFS Extension Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, industry, and environmental groups to develop economic opportunities while protecting and advocating for a science-based, responsible approach to agriculture, food, and 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 defined timeframe.
Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- M.S. in agronomy or a related field of study.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of agronomy and agricultural row-crop production experience.
- Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills.
- Evidence of scholarship in research, extension, and outreach.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with colleagues, volunteers, and diverse clientele.
- Evidence of ability to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management is required.
Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel within the assigned counties and the state.
Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency within 12 months of starting employment.
Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency within 12 months of starting employment.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Ph.D. in agronomy or related field of study.
- Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work in agricultural education, university outreach, business education). Experience working with volunteers is desirable.
- Demonstrated ability in acquiring grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
- Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Additional Certifications:
Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency within 12 months of starting employment.
Additional Information:
Responsibilities:
- Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate agriculture and food systems education programs in Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties.
- Develop and provide leadership in row-crop production for producers.
- Collaborate with colleagues to offer programming in forage production, ornamental horticulture, agricultural engineering and technology, farm and agribusiness management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, nutrient management, financial management, livestock and poultry, and natural resources conservation for producers, as well as diverse and underserved populations in the Upper Shore Cluster counties.
- Teach targeted audiences science-based farming practices, procedures, techniques, and skills that will ultimately result in positive behavioral and/or practice change over time.
- Serve on and work collaboratively with UME teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs, as well as determine how and where to implement them across the state.
- Establish subject matter expertise in agronomy and agriculture and food systems, and lead appropriate applied, problem-solving research in that area.
- Interpret and disseminate the latest research findings in fields relevant to the position using publications and state-of-the-art education and communication techniques.
- Develop grant-funded projects, including securing extramural funding, to create, enhance, and expand educational programs including applied research and demonstration projects.
- 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.
- Attend regular meetings of and serve as a point of contact for the Caroline Soil Conservation District and the Caroline County Farm Bureau, maintaining a relationship with them.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $64,122; Ph.D. Base: $76,584. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package which includes tuition remission.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current 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.
Posting Date:
09/16/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
10/15/2024Physical Demands
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.
Physical Demands: A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching and 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 teardown 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 field research, demonstrations, and meetings are conducted as well as the annual county fair. 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.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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