Faculty Specialist and Program Director - Agricultural Nutrient Management Program

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP), which is a component of the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, focuses on balancing nutrient applications with crop requirements to optimize crop production while reducing pollution to the Chesapeake Bay. ANMP helps farmers comply with the Water Quality Act to protect the Chesapeake Bay by promoting effective and environmentally sound nutrient application.

Position Summary:
The Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Program Director works collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Agriculture and Food Systems Extension (AgFS) to provide leadership for the ANMP which is dedicated to delivering education, research, and plan writing services in the field of agricultural nutrient management throughout Maryland.

Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with the AgFS Assistant Director to develop and execute the ANMP proposal and budget, manage the program, and facilitate interagency and inter-college collaborations to enhance the capacity of the University of Maryland to provide nutrient management education and services.
• Work with the AgFS Assistant Director on the annual ANMP plan of work and budget in accordance with guidelines from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within university policies and ANMP goals.
• Manage the daily operations of the ANMP to provide support of university and county ANMP efforts in program management, evaluation and reporting, proposal development, training, and growth.
• Strategically plan for ongoing ANMP development and innovative growth including working with University of Maryland Extension (UME) administration and federal, state, and local community partners.
• Create and adapt systems for ANMP fiscal management that comply with MDA, EPA, and UMD guidelines.
• Develop ANMP procedures in accordance with university policies and MDA guidelines, and communicate these policies to campus, county, and state stakeholders and educators for reporting, program development, fiscal management, and supervision of personnel.
• Collaborate with the AgFS Assistant Director and ANMP Faculty Specialists to develop the required reports for MDA, EPA, and stakeholders.
• Work with AgFS faculty and staff to develop statewide program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Coordinate and implement ANMP hiring procedures for ANMP staff developed in coordination with College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Human Resources (and update when necessary), UME, and the AgFS Assistant Director.
• Coordinate ANMP evaluation systems and impact assessments that ensure ANMP nutrient management plans comply with MDA and EPA requirements, and UME goals, reporting systems, and impact teams.
• Collaborate with the AgFS Assistant Director, the ANMP Advisory Council, and the ANMP team to develop a marketing plan to communicate ANMP impact to the university, MDA, EPA, program partners and stakeholders, and the public.
• Oversee U.S. Department of Agriculture Management Evaluation reviews.


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.
• 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 is 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. Able to traverse farm fields and uneven terrain.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.


Preferences:
Required -
Education: M.S. in soil science, agronomy, soil chemistry, nutrient management, or closely related field.

Experience:
• Five years of management experience in an agribusiness, higher education, non-profit, or similar field.
• Demonstrated experience with budget preparation and account tracking.
• Experience in personnel management, including coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining organizational policies and procedures.
• This position requires the incumbent to possess personal transportation, a driver’s license valid in the State of Maryland, and the ability to travel within the state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage an organization engaged in delivering services to the public.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, communicate clearly, and interact with a variety of audiences.
• Competency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Working knowledge of agriculture and water quality issues.
• Demonstrated teaching (extension/outreach) abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, soil chemistry, nutrient management, or closely related field.
• Experience with GIS and distance education pedagogy and technology such as CANVAS, Blackboard, or Storyline.
• Experience in working with volunteers, boards, councils, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Experience acquiring extramural funds.
• Certification by the MDA as a Nutrient Management Consultant.


Licenses/ Certifications: Must achieve certification[DJ2.1] through the MDA as a Nutrient Management Consultant within one year of employment and maintain this certification.

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

Yes

Department

AGNR-UME-Special Agriculture Programs

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$85,000 - $110,000

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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