Program Associate - Agriculture Education

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

20h

About The Position

The Program Associate - Agriculture Education supports two grant-based programs: the Soybean Science Challenge and the NRCS Soil and Water Conservation Virtual Field Demonstrations and Education program. The Soybean Science Challenge is a statewide, farmer-funded high school education program that develops learning resources and curriculum, promotes student knowledge of soybeans and related careers and uses, supports student applied research, and engages science teachers. The NRCS program integrates the Arkansas Discovery Farm and Arkansas Soil Health Alliance with Division of Agriculture outreach to deliver educational experiences statewide, including K–12 field trips and teacher workshops at the Discovery Farm Agriculture Education Center on the UAPB campus. The position coordinates program activities for K–12 students and teachers, manages communications and course content, develops and distributes educational resources, and provides student instruction and mentoring. It also coordinates regional science fairs and the Arkansas State Science & Engineering Fair, cultivates partnerships and sponsorships, supports program promotion, and prepares reports and other program materials. The role uses evaluation data to improve program products and outcomes and may assist with other agriculture education activities and assigned duties.

Requirements

A bachelor of science degree in Agriculture, Science Education, Agriculture and Extension Education, Leadership, or another relevant field, plus three years of related experience, or a related master’s degree.
Ability to work with teachers, students, schools, educational leaders, science fair participants, news media, and community partners, as reflected in the listed duties.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in Agriculture, Agriculture and Extension Education, Science Education, MAT, Leadership, or another relevant field.

Responsibilities

Design, coordinate, and manage the NRCS Soil and Water Conservation Virtual Field Demonstrations and Education program’s K–12 student and teacher activities.
Manage day-to-day communications and work with teachers, students, and schools.
Develop a detailed project management and evaluation plan in coordination with the principal investigator.
Monitor and update course content and enrollment data for four online courses: Soybean Science Challenge Student Course; Soybean Science Challenge-Teacher In-Service Course; Soybean Science Challenge-Teacher Resources; and Science Fair 101 Course.
Create and disseminate educational resources for students and teachers.
Provide direct communication, mentoring, and instruction for Arkansas junior high and high school science students.
Coordinate regional science fairs and the Arkansas State Science & Engineering Fair.
Seek sponsorships and partnerships for nine science fairs; create and obtain approval for agreements, recruit and support judges, prepare and present student awards, and develop press packets for statewide news releases and online postings.
Create, promote, and produce the Arkansas Soybean Research Challenge digitally through media partnerships and conferences as scheduled.
Prepare monthly direct and electronic contacts with Arkansas educational leaders and science teachers.
Facilitate student mentoring through web-based instructional technology.
Collaborate with news media and community partners to leverage project resources and expand the educational program’s public impact, particularly among parents and educators at all grade levels.
Manage the team and use program evaluation data to improve products and outcomes.
Compile report data and draft quarterly and annual reports for funding sources; complete weekly and monthly reporting and accountability tasks through PEARS and other specified methods.
Assist with other agriculture education activities; prepare reports; manage budgets; create program publications and presentations; and perform other assigned duties.