"Assistant Extension Agent (Agriculture Production & Farm Management)"

Job Details

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop an extension program to improve the economic viability of Maui County's diversified agriculture by supporting Moloka’i’s agricultural industry.
2. Develop and disseminate innovative and integrated programs to increase the economics, efficiency and productivity of the local farmers.
3. Develop and implement integrated and cost-effective approaches for the management of farm activities including management of weeds, invasive plants and animals, diseases and insect pests impacting crops, animals and forage.
4. Increase grower's involvement in resolving problems facing farm and industry (e.g. finance, marketing, processing, water, transportation, etc.).
5. Provide support, education and outreach to the small food animal (pigs, chickens, and goats) and all aspects of the FSMA Farm Food Safety regulations for producer implementation.
6. Increase efficiency in the delivery and dissemination of related research-based information to support local farmers and producers.
7. Identify issues and implement extension methods and techniques in collaboration and in partnership with private and public stakeholders to address the current and developing industry needs and disseminate information to the industry. The position may include some statewide responsibilities.
8. Serve as liaison between farmers and producers, industry members, industry organizations, government agencies and private companies/individuals.
9. Disseminate information using various means including social media, distance teaching, workshop and training development materials, presentations, exhibits, presentations, field days and publish scholarly information that address industry needs through appropriate media methods such as hard copy publications; web-based publications, social media and other communication and media alternatives.
10. Obtain local, regional, and national funding to establish a nationally recognized program.
11. Participate in County, Department, College, and University service and governance.
12. Work with stakeholders involves some meetings that occur after normal working hours and/or weekends at off-site locations.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major coursework in horticulture, soil science, agronomy, animal science, agribusiness or related field.
2. At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative extension work, Sea Grant extension or equivalent in closely related fields.
3. Ability to exercise independent judgement and to assume responsibility for developing an Extension program.
4. Ability to work harmoniously with other agents and specialists/faculty in an integrated Extension system, and with related agencies.
5. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner, and among the islands of Maui County, including Maui, Moloka‘i and L?na‘i; and within the State of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver’s License (class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels, using technology and traditional educational tools.
2. Demonstrated ability to write grants, obtain external funding and other in-kind program resources.
3. Experience with developing education materials for websites and using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for educational purposes.
4. Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and effectively with private organizations and government agencies.
5. Record of publishing peer reviewed articles, handbooks or extension bulletins.

Company

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has a mission and vision that reflect its commitment to education, research, and community service, with a focus on resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.

CTAHR Mission

CTAHR's mission is to create and deliver knowledge that supports and strengthens families, agricultural and food systems, and the natural environment. The college educates and serves the people of Hawaiʻi and those from around the world with integrity and excellence.

CTAHR Vision

The college provides exceptional education, research, and extension programs in tropical agriculture and food systems, family and consumer science, and natural resource management. It aims to cultivate innovative scientific inquiry, solve real-world challenges, and provide experiential learning in an interdisciplinary setting with global impacts.

Company info

Website: https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/