"Community Health and Safety Specialist"

Position Summary

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) seeks a dynamic and innovative professional to provide statewide support and coordination for Georgia Cooperative Extension in managing collaborative multi-disciplinary projects and grant applications and teams, specifically in the areas of Community Health and Safety. This is a full-time Public Service Faculty appointment. The preferred home-base is in Athens, Georgia, however there is potential to house the position at one of the district Extension offices in either Statesboro, Tifton or Griffin, Georgia. This position will work closely with Extension County Operations, Office of Learning and Organizational Development, other schools and colleges at UGA as well as external agencies and partners.

The position reports to the Associate Dean for UGA Extension. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide coordination and support for multi-disciplinary grant projects with an emphasis on community health and safety and represent the Office of the Associate Dean for Extension and the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences on multidisciplinary teams.
• Search for extramural funding to support programming priorities of Cooperative Extension, coordinate with the Extension Behavioral Health Team, and build teams to develop the projects.
• Coordinate special projects to include investigating community health, policy, programs, gathering data and presenting solutions and recommendations.
• Serve as the liaison for the Associate Dean of Extension on state and national emergency preparedness committees and projects. Candidate would also assist with disaster response efforts across program areas, such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development.
• Implement a planned needs assessment that will guide educational efforts in community health and safety needs across the state of Georgia.
• Program emphasis will include rural farm stress and mental health related issues.
• Inform, develop and implement training for Extension professionals in coordination with State Program Leaders for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development.
• Collaborate with Extension faculty to publish research findings and program impacts in appropriate scholarly outlets.
• Work closely with the Extension Evaluation Specialist, Office of Learning and Organizational Development and the CAES Office of Marketing and Communications, to quantify the impact of and disseminate the findings of research projects and educational efforts.
• Serve as an overall resource and support to UGA Extension and be available to take on other duties as assigned.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: F2275P
• Working Title: Community Health and Safety Specialist
• Department: CAES-OLOD
• About the University of Georgia: https://www.uga.edu/
• College/Unit/Department website: https://www.caes.uga.edu/
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
• Anticipated Start Date: 03/01/2025
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Position Information

• Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC
• Faculty Rank: Public Service Assistant
• Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
• Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a master’s degree in an appropriate discipline in or closely related to Public Health, Family & Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, Emergency Preparedness, Public Safety, or another applicable field.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must qualify for appointment in the Public Service Faculty Ranks as defined in the Guidelines for Appointments and Promotion. Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills are required along with good oral and written communication skills. A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Frequent evening and weekend duties are required.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in an appropriate discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate expertise in grant writing, project management, collaborations and team building and conducting research through design, implementation, evaluation and publishing. Candidates should also have an appreciation and understanding of Extension programs, and understand the diverse programming offered by Extension. Candidates should have excellent organizational skills, be able to work independently and be able to manage multiple programs and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information