Assistant/Associate Extension Educator For Controlled Environment Agriculture

Position Summary

Position Description

This position will work with greenhouse growers and collaborate regionally in developing educational programming and related resources that support climate-smart production practices to reduce risk from climate-related stress on soils. Working with growers in greenhouses will be expected. Focus areas may include vertical farming, hydroponic systems, plant propagation, fertilization, irrigation, growth regulator use, plug and liner production, integrated pest management, or other practices. The successful individual will have opportunities to address vegetables, bedding plants, and new and emerging crops grown in greenhouses. They will be expected to work in teams advancing emerging markets, expanding CEA applications for urban farming, and advancing digital growing technologies through automation, remote sensing, modeling, and data analysis.

This position will work with a diverse range of farm businesses, from large greenhouse ranges to small-scale operations. The successful candidate will be expected to serve current stakeholders and broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; and provide leadership in developing techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interest. The successful applicant will demonstrate leadership skills for serving on state boards, councils, and committees where stakeholders and experts collaborate to address complex systems together.

Required Qualifications

• Earned master’s degree in horticultural science, plant science, soil science, agricultural engineering, entomology or nematology, or closely related disciplines. • For the Assistant Extension Educator title, at least two years of experience is required and to be considered for the Associate Extension Educator title at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Educator or the equivalent is required. • Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae. • Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. • Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours. • Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license. • Must possess adequate physical stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results. • Experience serving in leadership positions, particularly within an agricultural context. • Experience working with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system. • Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals. • Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects. Yes

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Bonnie Burr

Contact Email

Bonnie.Burr@uconn.edu

Application Instructions

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25617 and submit the following application materials: • Cover letter summarizing how your qualifications and experience meet the position requirements (maximum two pages). • Curriculum vitae. • Personal statement on Equity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (maximum one page). • Names and contact information for at least three references including emails.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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