Agent Associate - Agriculture and Food Systems

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position is located in the University of Maryland Extension Office in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The position will support the Prince George’s County Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Program. The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for agronomy and horticultural crops, livestock, small farm and alternative agriculture, marketing, urban agriculture, and farm and agribusiness development in Prince George’s County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the Capitol Cluster.

Responsibilities:
● Work with University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems action teams to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agronomic and horticultural crop production, livestock production, small-scale farming and alternative agriculture enterprises, urban agriculture, and farm and agribusiness management to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, business management, and marketing in Prince George’s County, the Capitol Cluster, and across the state.
● Deliver programs in crop production, farm and agribusiness management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety, livestock production, nutrient management, and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Prince George’s County, the Capitol Cluster, and across the state.
● Provide training and recertification opportunities for certified private pesticide applicators and nutrient management voucher holders.
● Develop Extension programs that improve the financial viability of farms through business and cooperative development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for producers.
● Work collaboratively with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Prince George's County Planning Department and Southern and Central Maryland Agricultural Marketing Professionals (AMPs) to develop, implement, and evaluate economic development initiatives including, but not limited to, agri-tourism, wholesale markets, direct marketing, and value-added agriculture projects.
● Prepare information for the media, which may include news articles, press releases, and newsletters.
● 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 and expand applied research and educational programs.
● Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations, including attendance and participation at Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Prince George's County Planning Department, Farm Bureau, and 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 and research publications, conference posters, and professional presentations and participation in applied research.
● Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems.
● Serve on city, county, and regional agricultural committees.


Physical Demands:
● This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
● A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research plots and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, and tables and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites.
● This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
● Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
● Able to traverse farm fields and uneven terrain.

Qualifications:
Required–
● BS degree in agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural business, or related field and some experience in agricultural rural development or agribusiness.
● Three years of leadership and management experience that demonstrates the ability to work well with farmers and community leaders.
● Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
● Plant diagnostic skills, such as identifying weeds, 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 agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, agricultural business, or related field.
● Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education.
● Demonstrated ability to acquire grant funding.
● Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.




Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-UME-Prince George's

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

Bachelors range: $49,809 - $63,809, Masters range: $52,059 - $66,059

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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