Position Summary
Descriptive Title
Agent, AgFS
Remote Position
no
Position Description
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program. The AgFS Extension Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension education programs for the agricultural and food systems communities as well as consumers. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to agronomy and other areas of agriculture and food systems. This includes all aspects of production, harvesting, transport, storage, marketing, nutrient management, and sustainability. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. The AgFS Extension Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, industry, and environmental groups to develop economic opportunities while protecting and advocating for a science-based, responsible approach to agriculture, food, and the state’s natural resources. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with university policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined time frame.
Responsibilities:
● Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate agriculture and food systems education programs in Caroline, Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties.
● Develop and provide leadership in row-crop production for producers.
● Collaborate with colleagues to offer programming in forage production, ornamental horticulture, agricultural engineering and technology, farm and agribusiness management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, nutrient management, financial management, livestock and poultry, and natural resources conservation for producers, as well as diverse and under served populations in the Upper Shore Cluster counties.
● Teach targeted audiences science-based farming practices, procedures, techniques, and skills that will ultimately result in positive behavioral and/or practice change over time.
● Serve on and work collaboratively with UME teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs, as well as determine how and where to implement them across the state.
● Establish subject matter expertise in agronomy and agriculture and food systems, and lead appropriate applied, problem-solving research in that area.
● Interpret and disseminate the latest research findings in fields relevant to the position using publications and state-of-the-art education and communication techniques.
● Develop grant-funded projects, including securing extramural funding, to create, enhance, and expand educational programs including applied research and demonstration projects.
● Perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a faculty member of the University of Maryland. This is a tenure-track position requiring documented accomplishments in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
● Attend regular meetings of and serve as a point of contact for the Caroline Soil Conservation District and the Caroline County Farm Bureau, maintaining a relationship with them.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $62,255; Ph.D. Base: $74,354. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package which includes tuition remission.
Required Qualifications
● M.S. in agronomy or a related field of study. ● Knowledge of agronomy and agricultural row-crop production experience. ● Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. ● Evidence of scholarship in research, extension, and outreach. ● Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with colleagues, volunteers, and diverse clientele. ● Evidence of ability to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model. ● Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs. ● Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management is required. ● Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel within the assigned counties and the state. ● This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check. ● Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency within 12 months of starting employment.
Preferred Qualifications
● Ph.D. in agronomy or related field of study. ● Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work in agricultural education, university outreach, business education). Experience working with volunteers is desirable. ● Demonstrated ability in acquiring grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming. ● Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Other Requirements
Proof of eligibility to work in the United Stated within three business days of initial date of employment is required.
Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?
yes
Application Instructions
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/118188. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail 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.
About University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland is a land-grant institution with a three-part mission of teaching, research, and service. The campus is located in College Park, Maryland. University of Maryland Extension (UME) reaches all parts of Maryland with an office in 23 counties and the city of Baltimore.
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.