Agent Associate, Agriculture and Food Systems

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

10d•$49,809 - $66,059•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the University of Maryland Extension Office in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The position will support the Prince George’s County Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Program. The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for agronomy and horticultural crops, livestock, small farm and alternative agriculture, marketing, urban agriculture, and farm and agribusiness development in Prince George’s County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the Capitol Cluster.

Requirements

BS degree in agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural business, or related field and some experience in agricultural rural development or agribusiness.
Three years of leadership and management experience that demonstrates the ability to work well with farmers and community leaders.
Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
Plant diagnostic skills, such as identifying weeds, insects, and diseases.
Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Cluster, as well as the state of Maryland as needed.
Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor/consultant and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work-visa requirements.

Nice To Haves

M.S. degree in agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural business, or related field.
Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education.
Demonstrated ability to acquire grant funding.
Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.

Responsibilities

Work with University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems action teams to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agronomic and horticultural crop production, livestock production, small-scale farming and alternative agriculture enterprises, urban agriculture, and farm and agribusiness management to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, business management, and marketing in Prince George’s County, the Capitol Cluster, and across the state.
Deliver programs in crop production, farm and agribusiness management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety, livestock production, nutrient management, and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Prince George’s County, the Capitol Cluster, and across the state.
Provide training and recertification opportunities for certified private pesticide applicators and nutrient management voucher holders.
Develop Extension programs that improve the financial viability of farms through business and cooperative development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for producers.
Work collaboratively with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Prince George's County Planning Department and Southern and Central Maryland Agricultural Marketing Professionals (AMPs) to develop, implement, and evaluate economic development initiatives including, but not limited to, agri-tourism, wholesale markets, direct marketing, and value-added agriculture projects.
Prepare information for the media, which may include news articles, press releases, and newsletters.
Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
Develop and implement Extension program marketing and public relations activities.
Develop grant-funded projects to enhance and expand applied research and educational programs.
Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations, including attendance and participation at Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Prince George's County Planning Department, Farm Bureau, and Soil Conservation District meetings, as required.
Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension and research publications, conference posters, and professional presentations and participation in applied research.
Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems.
Serve on city, county, and regional agricultural committees.