Extension Educator, Agriculture and Food Systems

University of Maryland • TALBOT COUNTY EXTENSION BUILDING, MD

2d • $49,809 - $66,059 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Office in Talbot County, Maryland. The position will support the Talbot 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 and farm business development in Talbot County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the cluster and across the state.

Requirements

• B.S. 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 demonstrate 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 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.

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 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, and farm and agribusiness management to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, business management, and marketing in Talbot County, the cluster, and across the state.
• Deliver programs in crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, livestock production, nutrient management, financial management, and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Talbot County, the cluster, and across the state. This includes support for the Talbot County Corn Club and Soybean Improvement Program.
• 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 cooperative and business development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for producers.
• Initiate and implement Extension program marketing and public relations activities, prepare information for the media, including news articles, press releases, newsletters, and social media posts.
• Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
• Develop grant-funded projects to enhance and expand educational programs.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local agricultural organizations, including attendance and participation at Talbot Soil Conservation District and Talbot County Farm Bureau; serve on city, county, and regional agricultural committees; and attend other organizational meetings as required.
• Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as Extension and research publications, participation in applied research, conference posters, professional presentations, and educational materials published and adopted by others.
• Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems.

Benefits

• Regular Faculty benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level