PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The Assistant Extension Professor of Agricultural Technology for Small Farms is a non-tenure-track 12-month position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination Extension (75%) with the remainder of this time split between research (15%) and teaching (10%). 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Assistant Extension Professor of Agricultural Technology for Small Farms is a non-tenure-track 12-month position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University that will develop a nationally recognized Extension program for small and minority farms. Extension programs should focus on agritech areas such as precision agriculture, unmanned aerial vehicles/drones, artificial intelligence, mobile power units, apps, fluid and electrical power systems, irrigation and water management, productions software/AI remote sensing, and human and machinery risk management in the area of agriculture for small scale farms. This position will provide statewide leadership in Extension programming in agricultural technology for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs, developing extension factsheets and online offerings. This position will work to provide agent trainings for Extension professionals as well as off-campus workshops targeted towards stakeholders in agricultural technologies. This person is expected to work with entrepreneurs and companies to develop new agricultural technologies for small and minority farmers. The position will predominately be an Extension position (75%), with the remainder of this time split between applies research (15%) and teaching in the area of agricultural technology (10%).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without an accommodation)

1.    Work cooperatively, and integrated agricultural technologies with other state Extension specialists in developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-disciplinary activities with agent training, and workshops.

2.    Develop curricula for Extension agents in agricultural technologies.

3.    Provide statewide leadership in Extension programming in agricultural technology for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. 

4.    Develop Extension factsheets, informational documents, journal articles, and research new advancement in agricultural technology

5.    Develop virtual educational resources and web-based Extension programs through social media offerings in agricultural technologies.

6.    This position will work to provide agent trainings for Extension professionals as well as workshops for various stakeholder groups in agricultural technologies. 

7.    Develop collaborations with state and federal cooperators, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop new agricultural technologies and disseminate opportunities to small-scale farmers and other stakeholders.

8.    Develop Extension programming focusing on agritech areas such as precision agriculture, unmanned aerial vehicles/drones, artificial intelligence, mobile power units, apps, fluid and electrical power systems, irrigation and water management, productions software/AI, remote sensing, and human and machinery risk management in the area of agriculture for small and minority farms.

9.    Participate actively in the appropriate professional societies, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.

10.    Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies to enhance Extension programming.

11.    Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land grant and non-land grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of Extension programming.

12.    Incorporate undergraduate and graduate students to assist in Extension and research projects.

13.    Develop and teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in the area of agricultural technology.

14.    Other related duties as required.

OTHER DUTIES: (ex: tasks that may be necessary, but are not the main reason(s) the job was created)

The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Ph.D. Agriculture Engineering, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

•    Ability to lead and guide technical and professional staff. 

•    Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. 

•    Advanced ability to write successful grant proposals.

•    Advanced verbal and written communication skills. 

•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. 

•    Knowledge and experience in working with limited-resource and minority group clientele.

•    Knowledge of current and emerging research trends in areas of expertise. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•    Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dust, water, smoke, and/or unpleasant odors.

•    This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities.

•    Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 20 pounds or some standing or walking.  

•    Overnight travel in-state and out-of-state required (25%).