"Research Associate I (Cooperative Extension)"

Job Description Summary

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by August 8, 2025. Applications received after August 8, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

Basic Function

Train and mobilize volunteers to support residential, community, and school gardening, and to address priorities defined by the Cooperative Extension strategic plan and community needs assessments. Manage and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders and organizations to ensure the educational resources of Cooperative Extension are equitably distributed across Rhode Island to volunteers, residents, and community partners. Provide day-to-day programmatic leadership, while communicating vision, priorities, and impacts to participants and public audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit for, plan, and implement the annual 14-week core training course for volunteers and oversee the planning and implementation of continuing education classes that deepen and enhance knowledge related to research-based and ancestral gardening techniques, and soft skills such as inclusive science communication, leadership, etc. for volunteers.
• Chair the leadership council and oversee delegation to volunteer leaders to ensure that the program's public education mission is met, decisions are made using consensus-building practices that value participant input, and that the program is appropriately scaled relevant to the Extension strategic plan and portfolio.
• Engage with community members and partner organizations to understand their needs, ideas, and concerns and incorporate community input into Cooperative Extension programming.
• Manage volunteer certification and oversee recognition and engagement efforts.
• Conduct program evaluation for annual reporting purposes related to program impacts and civil rights compliance, and maintain updated policies, procedures, and other documents related to program management.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Tools, and Equipment

Personal computers and printers including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, web-based Learning Management Systems and volunteer management software.