Extension Agent - Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Title

Extension Agent (Harris County) AgNR

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Extension Programs

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Extension Agent, under general supervision, implements, plans, and evaluates educational programs and activities in the Agriculture and Natural Resources (AgNR) unit for the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in crop production, livestock production, range, wildlife, agricultural economics, water quality, and conservation, or natural resource management as well as work with federal, state, and local organizations in Harris County and Outreach and Technical Assistance in Harris County. This position is located at 13105 Northwest FWY Suite 1000, Houston, TX 77040.

Responsibilities:

• Plans with committees, task forces, groups, and organizations to conduct educational programs and activities; develops comprehensive outcome and output program plans which address base programs, critical issues, and clientele needs; plans evaluation strategies for outcome directed programs and significant program activities; plans regularly with the total staff to coordinate programming efforts; coordinates and collaborates with other agencies, groups, and organizations to plan educational programs.

• Maintains appropriate communications with county, district, and administrative staff at PVAMU to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the county program; prepares monthly, annual and special reports and outcome program summaries to demonstrate results of planning, program accomplishments, and changes in behavior resulting from the educational programs; conducts multiple interpretation events for county and state elected officials to report on program accomplishments and outcomes.

• Implements the planned educational programs and activities in assigned program areas which address critical issues and/or emerging needs in Harris County; Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities; Identifies, recruits, and trains local volunteer leaders to enable them to effectively perform their duties while serving on committees, clubs, and/or organizations; Utilizes a variety of teaching methods, strategies/techniques, activities, and materials in conducting educational programs; Complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Affirmative Action Plan of Prairie View A&M University in conducting Extension educational programs; Works with and supports Extension-sponsored groups such as 4-H clubs, community-based organizations, and master volunteer groups toward the achievement of increased participation and strengthening programs.

• Utilizes appropriate evaluation strategies/techniques to determine the progress of outcome programs and other program activities in reaching the objectives of the county program by providing training, consulting and technical assistance to youth, adults, entrepreneurs, homeowners, farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and/or community organizations; utilizes evaluation results to make program revisions and modifications; utilizes evaluation data and program outcomes to interpret program impacts to elected officials, key leaders, and stakeholders.

• Maintains appropriate communications with county, district, and administrative staff at PVAMU to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the county program; Prepares monthly, annual and special reports and outcome program summaries to demonstrate results of planning,

  program accomplishments, and changes in behavior resulting from the educational programs; Conducts multiple interpretation events for county and state elected officials to report on program accomplishments and outcomes.

• Performs the responsibilities of the Extension Agent in a professional manner through coordination and cooperation with other county staff members under the supervision of the Regional Program Leader; Understands job duties and responsibilities of an Extension Agent and accepts the responsibilities associated with the position; Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to get along with customers, co-workers, and supervisors; Develops a long-range professional improvement plan with the appropriate PVAMU-CEP Regional Program Leader and District Extension Administrator and appropriate input from Regional Program Leaders; Develops annual individual development plan which addresses short-term professional improvement needs and career goals; Participates in formal and informal training opportunities to increase knowledge and skills and maintain technical competencies; Participates in regularly scheduled county staff conferences to coordinate plans, activities, and joint work to promote staff teamwork and to make the best use of each agent’s time; Assists in the maintenance of files, mailing lists, membership rolls of Extension-related organizations, and inventories; Keeps informed on and complies with the Equal Employment Opportunity Program of Cooperative Extension Program; Cooperates with the county coordinator and other staff members in the development and implementation of an EEO Action Plan for the county office unit; Conducts annual performance review with each support staff member the agent is assigned to supervise or coordinates with other staff members with joint supervision responsibilities for the review objectives. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.

• Three (3) or more years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

• Technical competence in appropriate subject matter and the ability to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems.

• Understanding of the learning and development processes of youth and adults. Knowledge of a variety of teaching methods to provide effective learning experiences.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to reside in county, have access to a personal vehicle, obtain or maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License, appropriate insurance coverage and travel connected with official duties (including attendance at meetings or events that may take place during the night, weekend or out-of-county). Travel allowance is provided.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.