"Extension Educator-Ag. and Natural Resources-Northeast Region (3 Positions Available)"

Job Summary/Basic Function

Current target counties in the Northeast Region includes the following: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Mahoning, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull. Target counties identified based on community needs and may change as needs in the region change.

The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Educator be a remote worker but will be expected to travel daily to provide programming and to meet with farmers and partners. The ANR Extension Educator builds partnerships with county and regional agencies, agricultural producers, landowners, agricultural organizations, homeowners, decision makers, and citizens interested in the science of agriculture. The ANR Educator serves as a key resource in agriculture and natural resources in their assigned region. The educator will also provide statewide expertise and programming in one of the following areas: fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse/high tunnel systems, cropping systems, organic production, soil health, niche/direct marketing, onfarm food safety, farm business/farm management, forage and pasture systems, livestock systems, nutrient management, horticulture, integrated pest management (IPM), agricultural economics, natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator reports to the Program Leader, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments to identify critically important issues and educational needs of clientele in the assigned region. This includes networking and collaborating with community organizations and other stakeholder groups, and reaching out to underserved populations.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming.
• Conducts demonstrations, programs and meetings to educate adults and youth in new technology and practices related to agriculture to improve food production for rural, farm and urban families to improve economic wellbeing.
• Identify, interpret, and integrate information to develop and deliver high impact educational programs to adult and youth diverse audiences.
• Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders within the community.
• Establish professional relationships with faculty on campus to enhance extension programming.
• Participate in and/or lead teams to enhance the scope and reach of Extension programming.
• Assist local, city and community organizations and businesses in the development and promotion of related activities and events.
• Represent CSU Extension with groups and organizations within assigned region.
• Work with producers on identifying disease and insect control and prevention.
• Provide technical assistance on agriculture and natural resource topics and issues.
• Ensure that programs and activities are available to all interested persons in accordance with applicable equal opportunity/civil rights laws and best practices.
• Participate in civil rights and diversity training at the onset of employment, and periodic civil rights and diversity training during their association with the Extension.
• Uphold a respectful, professional communication style both oral and in written
• Develop and cultivate external funding sources to enhance educational programming.
• Submit daily programmatic activities and success stories into E-DAL (Extension’s Daily Activity Log).
• Attend professional development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with regional team and OSU county offices on joint projects.
• Participate in statewide teams.
• Work with state coordinators on regional county fair activities
• Provide expertise to develop and deliver statewide initiatives and programming
• Work collaboratively with Universities, state and local agencies within assigned region.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, in agricultural sciences, agricultural education, animal sciences, plant sciences, soil sciences, direct/food marketing, or closely related field.
• Knowledge in agriculture practices that includes a specialization in one or more of the following: fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse/high tunnel systems, cropping systems, organic production, soil health, niche/direct marketing, on-farm food safety, farm business/farm management, forage and pasture systems, livestock systems, horticulture, integrated pest management (IPM), agricultural economics, nutrient management, natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Strong oral and written communication, leadership mentoring, and group process skills.
• Evidence of ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Exceptional, proven competency in interpersonal relationship skills, including the ability to effectively relate to and communicate with staff, faculty, elected officials, colleagues, and program participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, including individuals with limited English skills.
• Ability to interpret and enforce University policy and best practices in a variety of areas, including discrimination allegations, conflict of interest, volunteer management, and program liability.
• Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing reports, presentations, data analysis and internet applications.
• Knowledge of basic educational methods and the ability to effectively teach program specific material.
• Ability to work as a teleworker with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Extension organization, operation, philosophy, and commitment to diversity, equity, and intentional outreach to underrepresented community members.
• Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work to meet time demands and/or special needs of program management.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience within specialty field highly desired.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 0801588

Department: 1890 Land Grant Extension

Department Contact Email: msmith2@centralstate.edu

Posting Date: 05/02/2024

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary: Commensurate with experience

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts