"Home Horticulture & Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent I/II - West Central"

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for a Home Horticulture & Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent (EA) I/II to serve the west central region of Alabama. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment. This position is an Extension assignment covering multiple counties. The Agent will be housed in one of the County Extension offices located in the region served. Geographic Area: West Central Alabama Region (Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Choctaw, Marengo, Dallas, & Wilcox counties). The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of AU and Alabama A&M University. It delivers science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

The Home Horticulture & Commercial Horticulture Programming Areas cover agricultural production of commercial fruits, vegetables, turf, ornamental nursery crops, greenhouse crops, and advising management of these plants in residential landscapes and gardens. Both teams promote safe environments through best management practices and the appropriate use of pest management products. The teams are comprised of specialists, coordinators, and extension agents. Home Horticulture & Commercial Horticulture programs support the need for global food security and growing farm profits for experienced and beginning farmers, along with educational support to the ornamental and landscaping industry.

The Extension Agent (EA) will be responsible for the following:

• Participate as a member of the Commercial Horticulture Team and develop expertise to complement team activities as well as provide educational leadership to deliver research-based information in the area of commercial horticulture within their assigned region.
• Participate in regional/state grower associations and other stakeholder groups representing commercial horticulture and develop a strong relationship as an educational leader among these entities. Educational programming will be developed independently and collectively based on measurable situational needs assessment for accomplishing short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals within commercial horticulture.
• Utilize all available and emerging digital technologies in their educational efforts as well as utilize more traditional educational methods such as newsletters, news articles, timely information sheets, workshops, group meetings, demonstrations, and farm visits.
• Participate in the grant writing process and participate in activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele within their region.
• Assist the team leader and administrators in project outcome and impact evaluations for digital and face-to-face activities.
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered within the System and through professional associations to enhance themselves both professionally and personally within the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

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