Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Geauga County

The Ohio State University•OSU Extension - Geauga (1523), VA

3d•$42,500 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ohio State University Extension Geauga County seeks an Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources to provide educational programming and technical assistance to local producers, farmers, and community members. The position collaborates with local, county, and state partners to identify and address community needs, and designs and delivers education for adult and youth audiences. It may also convene and facilitate community coalitions focused on priority issues. The Educator provides leadership in fruit and vegetable production, small farm development, farm management, the local Master Gardener Volunteer program, on-farm research, pesticide safety education, and farm safety. The role also supports other agriculture and natural resources programming with county and regional Extension staff, working closely with commercial producers and Amish communities throughout Geauga County. The Educator adapts evidence-based programs and develops new educational opportunities to meet local needs. The role creates promotional materials; recruits, trains, and leads volunteers; serves on committees; builds and maintains partnerships; and communicates with clientele through newsletters, county blogs, social media, and other appropriate channels. A strong community presence is essential to promoting awareness and understanding of agriculture and natural resource issues. The position evaluates programs and delivery methods using established tools to assess teaching effectiveness, program quality, and outcomes. It may involve county stakeholder discussions about program funding and budget priorities and pursuing external funding. The Educator also serves on county, multi-county, and state Extension teams. This is a one-year term position located in Burton, Ohio, with a scheduled 40-hour first-shift workweek. The appointment level and salary depend on qualifications: Extension Educator 1 requires a bachelor's degree and pays $42,500–$55,200; Extension Educator 2 requires a master's degree and pays $48,200–$62,550; Extension Educator 3 requires a master's degree and 11 or more years of direct or related work experience and pays $56,300–$73,000. The final offer is based on internal equity, available budget, and candidate qualifications.

Requirements

Extension Educator 1: bachelor's degree required.
Extension Educator 2: master's degree required.
Extension Educator 3: master's degree and 11 or more years of direct or related work experience required.
Submit a resume and posting-specific cover letter with months and years of employment listed.
Final candidates must successfully complete a background check; a drug screen or physical may be required after an offer.

Responsibilities

Provide educational programming and technical assistance to local producers, farmers, and community members.
Collaborate with local, county, and state partners to identify and address the needs of Geauga County residents.
Design, implement, and deliver needs-based educational programming for adult and youth audiences; potentially convene and facilitate community coalitions.
Lead programming in fruit and vegetable production, small farm development, farm management, the local Master Gardener Volunteer program, on-farm research, pesticide safety education, and farm safety.
Support other agriculture and natural resources programming in collaboration with county and regional Extension staff.
Adapt and deliver existing evidence-based programs and develop new educational opportunities responsive to local needs.
Create promotional materials; recruit, train, and lead volunteers; serve on committees; and establish and maintain partnerships that support program goals.
Communicate with clientele through newsletters, county blogs, social media, and other appropriate channels, and maintain a strong community presence.
Evaluate educational programs and delivery methods using established tools to assess teaching effectiveness, program quality, and outcomes.
Participate, as needed, in discussions with county stakeholders about program funding and budget priorities and pursue external funding opportunities.
Serve on county, multi-county, and state Extension teams to advance Ohio State University Extension's mission, vision, and values and the Agriculture and Natural Resources program area.