Assistant/Associate Extension Agent (Agriculture & Natural Resources)

Louisiana State University

109d

About The Position

This is a non-tenure track, agent level position (100% Extension ANR). For Morehouse and West Carroll parishes, the agent will serve as an extension educator and advisor, delivering essential research-based information and resources related to agriculture and natural resources to the local community. Their multifaceted role encompasses various responsibilities, including conducting educational programs, offering problem-solving expertise, conducting farm visits and consultations, engaging in community outreach, producing research and extension publications, and collecting and reporting data. The Agent will be expected to become familiar with other major commodities in the assigned parishes and work with and support other agents assigned to that parish for those commodities. The Agent will provide stakeholders with research-based information and educational opportunities through a variety of delivery methods including area-wide demonstrations, workshops, field days, and other educational meetings. The Agent will establish advisory committees to identify clientele needs, develop extension programming, implement a system of program evaluation, and report program accomplishments and impacts annually. The Agent will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations through a variety of avenues which could include newsletters, factsheets, social media postings, newspaper and other popular press articles. In addition, the Agent will contribute to the web page of assigned parishes and assist in providing pesticide re-certification training. Involvement and participation with agriculturally based organizations and associations such as Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s Association, and Master Gardener groups is expected for the agent to become fully engaged in the agricultural community. As an Extension employee, the agent must be willing to continue professional development and remain current with agriculture and natural resources research and its application to programming. The incumbent is expected to be an effective team player, work cooperatively with other Extension faculty at the parish, region and state levels and perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s). The agent will work under the administrative supervision and direction of the parish chair and regional director. In order to attend and conduct training to meet the needs of the clientele, this position requires some overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, agricultural business, agricultural economics, agriculture education, vocational education, agricultural sciences, biological sciences, or closely related areas.
• Undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a 3.0 for graduate work attempted, or a master's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with and through others and function with minimum supervision.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an extension educator and advisor delivering research-based information related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Conduct educational programs and offer problem-solving expertise.
• Engage in community outreach and produce research and extension publications.
• Collect and report data on agricultural practices and community needs.
• Establish advisory committees to identify clientele needs and develop extension programming.
• Implement a system of program evaluation and report program accomplishments and impacts annually.
• Disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations through newsletters, factsheets, social media, and other media.
• Contribute to the web page of assigned parishes and assist in providing pesticide re-certification training.
• Participate in agriculturally based organizations and associations.
• Continue professional development and remain current with agriculture and natural resources research.

Benefits

• Retirement options.
• Multiple medical insurance options.
• Supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.).
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan.
• University holidays (14 per year).
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree