Agent – Urban Horticulture

Position Summary

Descriptive Title

Agent - Urban Horticulture Production and Management

Position Description

University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position of Agent to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer expertise in urban horticultural production and management to growers, agricultural service providers, and UME personnel throughout Maryland. The candidate will have training in the principles of urban horticultural production and management and familiarity with urban agriculture in the state. The incumbent will also serve as the Maryland representative for urban horticultural production and management information and training efforts. The position will be based at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center-Clarksville.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field of study with a strong background in one or more aspects of urban agriculture production. • Demonstrated clear understanding of the practice of extension education. • Experience conducting applied research to improve urban farm and agribusiness production management and sustainability. • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of ability to work with colleagues, students, industry, and other clientele. Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member • Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management. • Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills, and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out of state travel may also be required. • Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need. • Evidence of capacity to build UME diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect capacity through the Extension program model. • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field of study with a strong background in one or more aspects of urban agriculture production. • Demonstrated ability to develop outreach programming that assists stakeholders in making research-based decisions. • Evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications. • Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding. • Demonstrated skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate technical information. • Experience working with graduate students is desirable. • Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels. • Bilingual in English and Spanish is desirable.

Application Instructions

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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