Tech Extension Educator/Navigator
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Agent Associate
Functional Title: Tech Extension Educator/Navigator
Position Number: 127636
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Contractual
Unit: University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension is seeking to fill eight (8) Tech Extension Educator/Navigator positions, with one
position at each of the following county Extension office locations:
Office Location: Multiple Locations
● Western Cluster ( 1 position in Garrett, Allegany, or Washington County)
● Northern Cluster (1 position in Harford, or Baltimore County)
● Northern/Central Cluster (1 position in Carroll or Frederick County)
● Capital Cluster (1 position in Prince George’s or Anne Arundel County)
● Baltimore City (1 position)
● Upper Eastern Shore Cluster (1 position in Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, or Caroline County)
● Lower Eastern Shore Cluster (1 position in Dorchester, Worcester, Wicomico, or Talbot County)
● College Park (1 position for statewide)
Description of College/Unit: Chartered as the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856, the College of
Agriculture and Natural Resources is the cornerstone of the University of Maryland system, built upon a foundation of
sound science, groundbreaking research through the Agricultural Experiment Station, and Maryland pride. The
University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution
providing teaching, research, and programs through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele
in the State of Maryland and beyond.
Within the UME Family and Consumer Science Program, the Tech Extension project addresses the digital divide and
increases broadband adoption through digital literacy and navigation programs in Maryland. The Tech Extension
Educator will work in digital literacy education, outreach, and digital navigation programs in their respective
city/county/cluster.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will develop partnerships with local agencies, educational institutions, non-profit
organizations, faith-based groups, workforce agencies, for-profit industry, and others in the respective city/cluster. Tech
Extension Educator/Navigator will (1) assist community residents with digital inclusion information and resources on
affordable broadband access, appropriate device, and digital skills, (2) provide educational programs and information to
increase digital literacy skills, (3) provide basic technical support to enhance digital access and inclusion in Maryland.
Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will report to Digital Literacy (Tech Extension) Project Director and Digital
Navigator Program Manager. Digital literacy teaching can be conducted in-person, hybrid, or virtually (group or
individual classes). Navigation assistance can be provided in-person, telephone, video-chat, email, text, and other
communication methods that work for the learner.
Digital Literacy Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain local partnerships through engagement, training, communications, meetings, and events.
Coordinate with local entities or support existing local coalitions to advance digital equity and broadband
adoption.
Provide education, training, information, and community resources for digital literacy in the respective
city/county/cluster.
Provide content expertise and leadership in digital inclusion (navigation), including local digital inclusion
resources and gaps.
Digital Navigation Responsibilities:
Receive, return or initiate contacts (in-person, telephone, chat, or etc.) with clients (local residents or
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Agent Associate (Technology Extension Educator)
Muliple Positions
organizations) seeking assistance.
Discuss with clients their home internet access or need for home internet access, technology experiences and
their devices.
Assess their access to technology, current digital skill level pertaining to what they need to accomplish the plan,
connectivity needs, and internet use priorities.
If necessary, advise clients about free or affordable home internet service options for which they may qualify,
assist clients in applying for services they choose, and support their efforts to secure service.
If necessary, advise clients about sources of affordable computers or other internet-connected devices for which
they may qualify, and support their efforts to acquire appropriate devices and where they can get help for repair
Coach clients as necessary to use their home internet services in order to meet their internet use priorities. This
may include both in-person, phone, and online interactions, as well as referral to sources of additional digital
literacy skill training.
Track each client’s progress and types of requests, keep accurate and timely records, and report outcomes as
required.
Plan and manage assistance to each client with the goal of fulfilling the agreed goals.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in information science, public policy, business administration, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability to provide community-based education, coaching, and mentoring.
Proficiency in using technology in communications, training, teaching, reporting, and working to develop and
implement the project activities.
Excellent communication skills (in-person, telephone and online), including the ability to establish trust with
clients of varied educational and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet
services, computer and device characteristics, and common online services and applications
Organization skills and ability to work on multiple tasks with deadlines. Must be able to travel within the state,
have personal transportation, and have a valid driver’s license.
Ability to creatively solve problems and negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
Ability to provide excellent customer service, establish appropriate boundaries with clients, and to demonstrate
innovation and flexibility.
Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension
program model.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred:
Background content knowledge of digital equity, digital navigation, and broadband.
Previous successful experience in research-based training and learning in digital literacy, media literacy, or
technology.
Experience in high-quality educational programs, virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats
Evidence of positive and productive relationships with diverse colleagues and partners.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog, or Vietnamese is a plus.
Physical Demands of the Position:
This position requires periodic travel to meetings, training, and events throughout the state.
The person in position will frequently exchange information through verbal and written communication with
individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
Visual acuity is required to prepare, review and/or analyze written reports, spreadsheets, data, and figures for
accuracy. This position will also research information and prepare written materials and presentations for annual
reports, budget presentations, and/or stakeholder or staff meetings. Extensive viewing of a computer screen is
normal.
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Agent Associate (Technology Extension Educator)
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This position requires the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items (up to 20 lbs.) between
offices.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a minimum starting salary of $50,000. The
University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 1.0 FTE, equivalent to 40 hours per week.
The position is a 12-month grant-funded contract that may be renewed for the duration of the grant project (xx/xx/2022-
12/31/2024).
Application Process: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/99785. A complete application
packet includes a cover letter, current (signed) resume (or CV uploaded as resume), contact information for three (3)
professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address), and copies of
transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position).
Closing Date: Open until filled. For best consideration please apply by March 10, 2023.
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.
