Program Associate - Agriculture Education

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

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 farmer-funded statewide program for junior high and high school students. It provides educational resources and curriculum about the value of Arkansas soybeans, soybean products and uses, agricultural sustainability, related careers, and applied student research. It also engages science teachers and recognizes student researchers through awards. The NRCS program integrates the Arkansas Discovery Farm, the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance, and University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture outreach to provide educational experiences statewide. Its K-12 activities include field trips at the Discovery Farm Agriculture Education Center on the UAPB campus and teacher education workshops. The Program Associate coordinates and manages the programs’ education, communications, science-fair, mentoring, evaluation, reporting, and related administrative activities. The position also assists with other agriculture education work and duties as assigned.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Science Education, Agriculture and Extension Education, Leadership, or another relevant field, plus three years of related experience; alternatively, a related master's degree is required.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in Agriculture, Agriculture and Extension Education, Science Education, MAT, Leadership, or another relevant field.

Responsibilities

Design, coordinate, and manage the NRCS program’s efforts related to K-12 students and teachers.
Manage day-to-day communications and work with teachers, students, and schools.
Develop a detailed project management and evaluation plan 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.
Create and distribute educational resources for students and teachers.
Communicate with, mentor, and instruct Arkansas junior high and high school science students.
Coordinate regional science fairs and the Arkansas State Science & Engineering Fair, including seeking sponsors and partners for nine fairs, preparing agreements, recruiting and supporting judges, presenting student awards, and preparing press packets and statewide news releases.
Create, promote, and produce the Arkansas Soybean Research Challenge digitally through media partnerships and conferences as scheduled.
Make monthly direct and electronic contacts with Arkansas educational leaders and science teachers.
Facilitate student mentoring using web-based instructional technology.
Collaborate with news media and community partners to leverage project resources and expand educational outreach to the public, particularly parents and educators.
Manage the team and use program evaluation data to improve products and outcomes.
Compile data and draft quarterly and annual reports for funding sources; complete weekly and monthly reporting and accountability tasks through PEARS and other designated methods.
Assist with other agriculture education activities, prepare reports, manage budgets, and create program publications and presentations, along with other assigned duties.