Assistant/Associate Extension Agent (Horticulture)

Louisiana State University

111d

About The Position

The position will be domicile in the Ascension Parish Extension Office located in Gonzales, Louisiana. Ascension parish has diverse agricultural production systems. Sugarcane, soybean, crawfish and beef cattle production constitutes the large majority of agricultural production, while home gardens, nurseries, and commercial horticulture make up the horticulture sector. This is a non-tenure track, agent level position with a 100% appointment in Agricultural and Natural Resources with general Extension Agent responsibilities, primarily focused on horticulture in Ascension Parish. The Agent will establish advisory committees for horticulture and other related focus areas to identify clientele needs, develop extension programming, implement a system of program evaluation, and report program accomplishments and impacts annually. The Agent will provide stakeholders with research-based information and educational opportunities in horticulture through a variety of delivery methods including on-farm visits, area-wide demonstrations, workshops, field days, and other educational meetings. Commercial and consumer horticultural practices may include but are not limited to demonstration gardens, commercial vegetable demonstrations/field days, home gardens and grounds, fruits, and other horticultural programs. The Agent will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations, contribute to the web page of assigned parish, and assist in providing pesticide re-certification trainings. Finally, involvement with community based (Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) and parish level agricultural associations (Farm Bureau, Garden Clubs, etc.) will be necessary. 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 clientele, this position requires some overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in education, vocational education, agricultural sciences, family and consumer sciences/human ecology, biological or social sciences, recreation and leisure studies or closely related areas.
• Undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and 3.0 for graduate work attempted, or a master's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.
• Experience in teaching and applying principles of leadership development to both youth and adults.
• Knowledge of public relations and ability to cope with change.
• Ability to work with and through others and function with minimum supervision.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in community engagement and public outreach.

Responsibilities

• Establish advisory committees for horticulture and related focus areas.
• Identify clientele needs and develop extension programming.
• Implement a system of program evaluation and report program accomplishments.
• Provide stakeholders with research-based information and educational opportunities in horticulture.
• Conduct on-farm visits, area-wide demonstrations, workshops, and field days.
• Disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations and contribute to the parish web page.
• Assist in providing pesticide re-certification trainings.
• Engage with community-based organizations and parish-level agricultural 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
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree