Educator - Agronomy
FT Educator-Agronomy, Univ of MD Extension-Frederick County.
The position will work in support of the Frederick County Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Program. The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for agronomy crops, small farm and alternative agriculture, marketing and farm business development in Frederick County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the Central Cluster.
Minimum Qualifications:
• BS Degree in agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, applied plant science, agricultural business or related field and some experience in agricultural rural development or agri-business.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with farm producers 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.
Preferences:
• M.S. Degree in agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, applied plant science, agricultural business or related field
• Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education.
• Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.
Responsibilities:
Work with the UME Agriculture and Food Systems Action Teams to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agronomic crop production, small scale farming and alternative agriculture enterprises to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, agricultural economics, and marketing in Frederick County, and the Central Cluster.
Deliver programs in crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, livestock and forage production, nutrient management, financial management and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Frederick County.
Provide training and recertification opportunities for certified private pesticide applicators and nutrient management voucher holders.
Develop Extension programs that improve the financial viability of small farms through co-operative development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for small farm producers.
Work collaboratively with the Frederick County Economic Development office to develop, implement, and evaluate rural economic development initiatives including, but not limited to: agri-tourism, wholesale markets, direct marketing, and value-added projects.
Preparation of information for the media, which includes contributing a weekly news article to the Frederick News-Post Agriculture Section.
Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
Develop and implement Extension program marketing and public relations activities.
Develop grant funded projects to enhance/expand educational programs.
Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations; includes attendance/participation at Frederick Soil Conservation District meetings, as required.
Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as: educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension publications, participation in applied research, conference posters, professional presentations, etc.
Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems issues.
Serve on county/city and regional agricultural focused committees.
Apply online: ejobs.umd.edu Position#103614. Closing Date: 3/05/21, or until filled. AA/EOE