Extension Associate - Conservation Outreach Coordinator

Posting Details

Position Information Posting Number PG190688CE Position Number NC-00003109-0924 Position Type NC Cooperative Extension Department Information Job City & State North Carolina Piedmont or Coastal Plain Department Horticulture Science System Information Working Title Extension Associate - Conservation Outreach Coordinator Appointment 12 Month Recurring Job Type Part-Time - Permanent FTE .75

Position Information

Position Overview Essential Job Duties This is a 2 year (time limited), grant funded position .

The candidate will serve as the project coordinator for a project focused on Equity in Conservation Outreach.

• Highlight USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service climate-smart conservation practices for small and medium-scale agricultural enterprises including urban agriculture.
• Organize and help lead demonstration projects, field days, farm tours, and workshops.
• Promote conservation careers to underrepresented communities through outreach and engagement activities.
• Facilitate project management meetings and development of project materials including videos, and digital applications for best management practices and conservation careers.
• Assist with the development of data collection and analysis, ranging from interviews to surveys, and developing educational materials.
• Facilitate compensation of project participants, including farmers, conservation professionals, and participants.

Outreach will include presentations at meetings, calls, emails, and face-to-face interaction with extension agents, other technical service providers and growers, and grant program staff, as well as assisting with the development of web-based resources and leading the writing of newsletters covering these topics.

The candidate will serve as a contact point for historically underserved producers as well as underrepresented communities in conservation and agriculture.

This position may supervise one or two temporary employees and interns working in the program.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Horticultural Science is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension components.

Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension.

Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies.

Other Work / Responsibilities Prepare annual reports, organize meetings, and present research results at stakeholder outreach and scientific meetings.

The incumbent will also need to travel across the state of North Carolina alone and with others to conduct project activities and must independently be able to travel from location to location without reliance on others or the advanced notice that is often required of alternative means of transportation.

Supervisory Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises N / A Percent of Time Spent N / A Requirements and Preferences Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 30 hours per week.

Some weekend outreach and networking activities may be required. Minimum Experience / Education The minimum requirement for employment as an Area Specialized Agent (ASA) with North Carolina Cooperative Extension is either (i) a Master’s degree in an area related to the agent’s assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of three (3) years of Extension or education-related or industry-related experience in the relevant field, or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree in an area related to the assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of seven (7) years of Extension, education-related or industry-related experience in the area of specialization.

Candidates shall also have demonstrated skills and abilities in program development and evaluation, and subject matter expertise in the area of specialization.

Preference for research experience, including the ability or demonstrated experience in facilitating field research in the area of specialization, as well as history of successfully obtaining or capacity to obtain grant funds to support research and extension work in the area of specialization.

Candidates must have proven personal effectiveness skills, including excellent interpersonal communication, team building, and problem solving skills and the ability to provide leadership to an educational program area by working successfully with agents and professors / specialists as well as industry clients in their subject matter area.

Ability to work extra hours and weekends is required.

Person must provide their own dependable, personal vehicle and have the ability to travel independently in the assigned geographical area.

Department Required Skills N / A Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• BS / BA or MS / BA degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental sciences, education, communication, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with agricultural and conservation clientele and issues and / or experience communicating, marketing, or educating the public on environmental or agricultural themes.
• Experience with computers and basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Mail Chimp, Gmail, Google applications).
• Experience with software to create and manage spreadsheets, presentations, and social media accounts.
• Experience writing, editing, and publishing newsletters in Mail Chimp.
• Experience giving engaging presentations, preferred topic familiarity with agricultural and environmental topics, including outdoor / field day demonstrations;

however, experience with career readiness skills also applies.

• Native-level Spanish language proficiency
• Historically underserved producer (Limited Resource, New & Beginning, Veteran, Socially Disadvantaged (USDA)
• Underrepresented community member (USDA)

Required License or Certification N / A Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? No Physical Required?

No List any other medical / drug tests required

Recruitment

Recruitment Details Anticipated Hiring Range $50,000 - $51,000 (3 / 4 time position) Internal Transfer Only No Recruitment Dates Job Open Date 09 / 10 / 2024