Extension Specialist I/Agent II, Agricultural Engineer

University of Delaware•Georgetown, DE

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research and Education Center in Georgetown, Delaware, part of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, conducts Cooperative Extension and Research programs across various agricultural and community development areas. These programs aim to improve quality of life by transferring research-based information to consumers. Under the direction of the Ag Program Leader, the Extension Agricultural Engineer will provide statewide leadership and support in irrigation and precision agriculture programming for crop production. This role focuses on grower education, applied research, technology evaluation, and collaboration with extension, industry, and regulatory partners to enhance irrigation efficiency, water management, and precision decision-making for Delaware growers. The Agricultural Engineer will develop and disseminate research-based recommendations, lead irrigation-related extension initiatives, and promote the adoption of appropriate precision agriculture technologies within the farming community.

Requirements

Degree in agricultural engineering, biological resources engineering, biosystems engineering, agronomy, crop science, precision agriculture, or related field.
Experience with sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, water management, and agricultural engineering principles.
Understanding of precision agriculture technologies and data-driven decision-making tools.
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with growers, extension personnel, researchers, and industry partners.
Documented written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
For Extension Agent II: Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years, or Master’s degree plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field.
For Extension Agent II: Demonstrated ability to collaborate on research proposals and secure external funding.
For Extension Specialist I: Master’s degree plus four (4) years of experience, or Doctorate plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field.
For Extension Specialist I: Demonstrated experience leading research initiatives and securing external grant funding.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with data loggers, computer controls, and scientific sensors related to irrigation management preferred.
Experience supervising student employees preferred (for Extension Agent II).
Experience with GIS and CAD software preferred (for Extension Specialist I).
Prior supervisory experience of research team staff preferred (for Extension Specialist I).
Grantsmanship experience preferred (for Extension Specialist I).

Responsibilities

Partner with County Agricultural Extension Agents, Faculty Specialists, and others to expand and strengthen the University of Delaware’s agricultural irrigation extension program.
Collaborate with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel to evaluate irrigation equipment, systems, and management practices across Delaware and support the continued improvement of NRCS irrigation programs, including standards refinement and delivery of training sessions.
Conduct educational programs for vegetable producers, field crop farmers, processors, and agricultural supply personnel in irrigation management, new precision technologies, and farm equipment modifications.
Provide hands-on technical assistance and decision-support guidance to growers and industry stakeholders.
Establish a high-impact agricultural irrigation program built upon strong relationships with agricultural producers and industry contacts to develop projects that deliver practical, solutions-driven approaches of value and relevance to Delaware growers.
Maintain a basic understanding of tillage, planting, application, and harvest equipment to advise researchers and farmers on the selection, calibration, and maintenance of modern farm equipment.
Collaborate with specialists to develop tools, recommendations, and decision-support systems that assist farmers with precision agriculture and irrigation management decisions.
Maintain technical competency in precision agriculture technology (e.g., variable-rate application systems, GPS-guided autosteer, UAV imagery, sensor technologies).
Responsible for implementation of Program Plan and reporting impacts within Extension’s Planning and Reporting System (PEARS).
Collaborate with regional extension, research institutions, industry partners, and regulatory agencies to perform applied research and deliver education in precision agriculture.
Participate in the development of competitive research proposals and external funding opportunities to support irrigation and precision agriculture programming.
Supervise student employees and/or research team members, as appropriate.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.