Assistant Extension Agent - Farm & Consumer Food Safety

This position provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of an Extension program supporting the coffee and orchard crops growers in Hawaii County and participates in statewide teams. The position, based at CTAHR’s Center of Applied Research and Extension Service (CARES) at Kona, Hawaii, will work collaboratively with the existing Coffee and Orchard Crops Extension Agent and other orchard crop Extension and research faculty to enhance industry capacity, applied research, and outreach activities in Hawaii County and beyond. The position also supports applied research and demonstration activities at the CARES Kona.

Duties and Responsibilities

Extension (80%)

1. Provide leadership in identifying, planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating Extension programs that support the coffee and orchard crop growers and industries in Hawaii County and beyond.
2. Develop and deliver research-informed educational programs, including workshops, field days, demonstrations, distance education, and one-on-one technical assistance.
3. Collaborate with faculty and staff at CARES Kona to design, implement, and interpret applied research and demonstration trials relevant to coffee and orchard crop production systems.
4. Develop scholarly and Extension publications in multiple formats, including peer-reviewed articles, Extension bulletins, fact sheets, digital media, and web-based resources.
5. Obtain local, state, regional, and national extramural funding to enhance program sustainability and impact.
6. Work collaboratively with other edible crop Extension agents, CTAHR faculty, industry organizations, and government agencies to address emerging issues, including pest management, soil health, climate resilience, nutrient management, and farm viability.
7. Conduct program evaluation and impact reporting consistent with Cooperative Extension standards.

Service (20%)

• Participate in Department, College, University, and professional service and governance activities.
• Engage with industry advisory groups, producer organizations, and community partners to support policy, systems, and environmental change.