County Extension Agent - Agriculture

University of Arkansas System•Sheridan, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The County Extension Agent – Agriculture conducts educational programs for county clientele in the areas of agriculture and 4-H youth development. The agent works closely with a broad audience base to solicit support and participation within the county. This role involves maintaining a thorough knowledge of the county's social, economic, and political characteristics, acting as an effective liaison with local community leaders, agencies, and governments, and staying updated on Arkansas Extension programs. The agent will develop and execute an annual action plan based on identified issues, plan, deliver, and teach educational programs, demonstrations, and activities addressing clientele needs, and provide opportunities for program participation at various levels. Leveraging Extension specialists and research-based information is key to designing and implementing educational programs. The agent will respond to clientele inquiries through various communication channels, providing accurate diagnoses and tailored recommendations. Support for the county 4-H program, including educational programming, training, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising, is also a significant part of the role. Employing effective evaluation techniques to measure program impact and compiling/communicating results to stakeholders is required. Ensuring compliance with civil rights requirements, promoting inclusivity, and maintaining accurate records are essential. The agent will also complete and submit required reports monthly, collaborate with colleagues and partners, establish and maintain good working relationships, and build a network of supporters and volunteers. Continuous learning through in-service trainings and professional development is expected, along with adherence to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor or district director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, youth development or related field of study; degree must be conferred by date of hire or Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
Must have reliable transportation for use on the job with liability insurance in effect.
Must successfully complete the standard background check which includes the Arkansas Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Check.
Knowledge in one or more agriculture subject matter areas appropriate to the county assigned.
Ability to speak and write clearly and communicate ideas effectively.
Ability to plan and conduct programs and work with all clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status.
Ability to work long and irregular hours and travel frequently.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

Maintains a thorough knowledge of the social, economic, and political characteristics of the county and will be an effective liaison with local community leaders, agencies and governments.
Maintains an up-to-date and working knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs.
Develops and executes an annual action plan based on issues identified by the programmatic Subcommittee(s) and personal observations.
Plans, delivers and teaches educational programs, demonstrations, and activities that address the needs of the county’s clientele.
Provides opportunities for program participation at the county, district, and state levels, while also sharing educational information with county government leaders, community organizations and stakeholders to support the overall Extension mission.
Leverages Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement and teach educational programs.
Responds to clientele inquiries through phone consultations, e-mails, in-person office and farm visits, providing accurate diagnoses and tailored researched based recommendations as required.
Supports the county 4-H program and related activities, including educational programming, training for competitive events, volunteer recruitment and development, and fundraising efforts.
Contributes to program delivery at the county, district, and state levels.
Employs effective evaluation techniques to measure the impact of county agriculture and 4-H programs.
Compiles and communicates program results to the county advisory committee, Extension Council (if applicable), and county and state government officials on an annual basis.
Ensures compliance with civil rights requirements and maintains current knowledge of applicable rules and regulations.
Promotes inclusivity by ensuring all programs are accessible to the public and maintains accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
Completes and submits required reports on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accountability.
Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to effectively carry out and advance the Extension mission.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with Extension staff, clientele and general public.
Build a network of supporters and volunteers to assist in program delivery.
Maintains a working knowledge of researched based agricultural production practices and programs by attending in-service trainings offered through Arkansas Extension, professional development associations and other opportunities deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with institutional standards in all professional activities.
Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or district director.