Extension Specialist I/Agent II, Agricultural Engineer

Job Details

University of Delaware
Job No: 503075
Work Type: Staff
Location: Georgetown, DE
Categories: Engineering, Full Time, Extension and Outreach

PAY GRADE: Grade: 31E (Specialist I) / 30E (Agent II)

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Research and Education Center located in Georgetown, Delaware, is the southernmost Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. ... At the direction of the Ag Program Leader, the Extension Agricultural Engineer will provide statewide leadership and/or support in irrigation and precision agriculture programming for crop production.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (Applicable to both levels)

• Partner with County Agricultural Extension Agents, Faculty Specialists, and others to expand and strengthen the University of Delaware’s agricultural irrigation extension program.
• Collaborate with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel to evaluate irrigation equipment, systems, and management practices across Delaware and support the continued improvement of NRCS irrigation programs.
• Conduct educational programs for vegetable producers, field crop farmers, processors, and agricultural supply personnel in irrigation management, new precision technologies, and farm equipment modifications.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance and decision-support guidance to growers and industry stakeholders.
• Establish a high-impact agricultural irrigation program built upon strong relationships with agricultural producers and industry contacts.
• Maintain a basic understanding of tillage, planting, application, and harvest equipment.
• Collaborate with specialists to develop tools, recommendations, and decision-support systems that assist farmers with precision agriculture and irrigation management decisions.
• Maintain technical competency in precision agriculture technology.
• Responsible for implementation of Program Plan and reporting impacts within Extension’s Planning and Reporting System (PEARS).
• Collaborate with regional extension, research institutions, industry partners, and regulatory agencies to perform applied research and deliver education in precision agriculture.
• Participate in the development of competitive research proposals and external funding opportunities.
• Supervise student employees and/or research team members, as appropriate.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Required for consideration at either level):

• Degree in agricultural engineering, biological resources engineering, biosystems engineering, agronomy, crop science, precision agriculture, or related field.
• Experience with sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, water management, and agricultural engineering principles.
• Understanding of precision agriculture technologies and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with growers, extension personnel, researchers, and industry partners.
• Documented written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with data loggers, computer controls, and scientific sensors related to irrigation management preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BY LEVEL:

Extension Agent II (Grade 30E): Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years, or Master’s degree plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field. Demonstrated ability to collaborate on research proposals and secure external funding. Experience supervising student employees preferred.

Extension Specialist I (Grade 31E): Master’s degree plus four (4) years of experience, or Doctorate (preferred) plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field. Experience with GIS and CAD software preferred. Demonstrated experience leading research initiatives and securing external grant funding. Prior supervisory experience of research team staff preferred. Grantsmanship experience preferred.