Agent #103476
University of Maryland Extension (UME)
Agent (#103476)
Working Title: Extension Educator, Agriculture and Food Systems
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks an Educator to plan, organize, develop, implement, and evaluate Extension educational programs for fruit and vegetable growers, commercial horticulture, and general agronomy, and conduct applied research. M.S. in horticulture, agricultural sciences, or a related field required.
Campus/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.
Position Summary: 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 position will conduct applied research that supports the educational program. The Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, and industry and environmental groups in developing economic opportunities while protecting, as well as advocating for a science-based, 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 audiences 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 using 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
• M.S. in horticulture, agricultural sciences, or a 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 integrated pest management (IPM), high tunnel and greenhouse production, plasticulture systems, nutrient management, irrigation, and the harvesting and handling of safe produce under GAP protocols.
• Evidence of scholarship in research, extension and/or outreach.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with colleagues, 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 and 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, agricultural sciences, or related field of study.
• Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work in agricultural education, university outreach, business education). Experience working with volunteers desirable.
• Demonstrated ability in garnering 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 Information:
Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $54,500; Ph.D. Base: $65,090. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Physical 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/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 county fair, 4-H residential or day camps, and youth recreational 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.
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. Wicomico County