Faculty Specialist - Agricultural Nutrient Management Program

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month professional-track Faculty Specialist position for the Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) in the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program. The ANMP Faculty Specialist has statewide responsibilities for creating and conducting training programs for farmers, private sector nutrient management plan writers, ANMP nutrient management advisors, and others. The ANMP Faculty Specialist teaches and supports farmers and nutrient management advisors in the development of nutrient management plans that balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay, and enabling producers to comply with Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.

Responsibilities:
o Develop Extension guidance documents on agricultural nutrient management topics.
o Lead development and instruction of in-person workshops:
o Farmer Training and Certification,
o How to Write a Nutrient Management Plan,
o Fundamentals of Nutrient Management (UMD sections), and
o Practical Experiences of Nutrient Management.
o Assist farmers and private nutrient management consultants with development of their nutrient management plans remotely and through in-person update sessions.
o Train new ANMP nutrient management advisors, mentor them to reach a proficiency in nutrient management plan writing, and provide professional development training on nutrient management topics.
o Keep up to date with the latest related research through the scientific literature and attendance at regional and national conferences.
o Learn to use and teach the nutrient management software.
o Professional development to improve pedagogy.
o Attend professional development programs to learn new pedagogy strategies and implement them in ANMP training programs.
o Serve on and work collaboratively with UME teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs for nutrient management.
o Serve on program, department, college, and university committees and boards as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, or closely related field.
• Work experience in agriculture, nutrient management, or closely related area.
• Working knowledge of agriculture and farming issues.
• Demonstrated teaching abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency in the use of computer applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, GIS, Google Workspace).
• Proven ability to work individually, as a member of a team, and lead a team.
• Within one year of employment achieve certification through the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a Nutrient Management Consultant and maintain this certification.
• Flexible working hours required; must be available for occasional evening and weekend programs.
• A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile for travel.
• Evidence of capacity to serve all Marylanders.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:
• Master’s Degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, or closely related field
• Experience in agricultural planning.
• Certification and experience as a Maryland nutrient management consultant.
• Experience with distance education technology (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and pedagogy.


Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching and 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 displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year, especially during the time field research, demonstrations, and meetings are conducted as well as annual county fair. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.



Licenses/ Certifications: none

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-UME-Special Agriculture Programs

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$60,000 to $77,000

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

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