req4703

Pinal County Office

https://extension.arizona.edu/pinal

County Extensions and Farms

Casa Grande, AZ USA

The purpose of the continuing-eligible Horticulture Extension Assistant Agent position is to develop and deliver educational information, structured programs, and technical support to the consumer/commercial horticulture sectors and urban food systems in Pinal County, Arizona.

The agent assesses community needs in these sectors and identifies research-informed or evidence-based approaches to address those needs. The agent conducts applied research as a foundation for a strong research-based educational program. The agent collaborates with peers and colleagues to develop and deliver educational programming. The agent communicates with clientele through print publications, journal articles, social media, and other venues of communication. Educational opportunities are offered through formal and non-formal classes, clinics, workshops in plant production related topics to Master Gardeners (MG), commercial horticulture producers, urban food producers and other audiences. Technical support is provided through site visits to identify problems and offer practical, science-based solutions. Oversight and guidance is provided to school and community garden programs and the Pinal County MG program. It is the responsibility of the agent to obtain external funding to support both applied research and programmatic needs. The agent will present science-based information at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.

Pinal County has approximately 200 trained volunteers in the MG program that provide service through 6 groups in the county. The county is home to commercial perennial cropping systems as well as annual agronomic and horticulture crops. The successful candidate will have above average communication skills, be a team player, be personable and have the willingness to network in all areas of agriculture. This position will deliver the university expertise to the horticulture and agriculture community in an inclusive and diverse programming environment.

Outstanding UA benefits include health,dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs;paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for theemployee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans;access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of national, state, and county data, local resources, and historical information to identify community assets, program needs, and teaching opportunities
• Identifies financial resources through potential gifts, grants, and contracts to support both the research and programmatic needs
• In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work

• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works

Program Implementation

• Implement programs that may include an applied research effort to address problem-based issues pertaining to identified clientele needs
• Develop educational materials for clientele distribution to include peer reviewed articles, fact sheets, bulletins, social media networks, etc.
• Participate and collaborate with peers and statewide working groups to discuss and develop identified programmatic resources
• Disseminate education materials to clientele county-wide and/or statewide as working groups identify program priorities
• Conduct workshops and develop media communications to reach clientele

Program Results

• Evaluate results and impacts of delivered programs
• Publish and communicate program results through all previously described media

Professionalism

• Maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional meetings and applied knowledge to programmatic duties and responsibilities
• Maintain high ethical and professional standards with commitment to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona
• Promote Cooperative Extension to enhance public understanding of the organization’s mission

Service

• Active in local, state and national organizations related to areas of responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with desert horticulture, working in Arizona or similar conditions
• Familiarity with plant production systems and landscape maintenance, permaculture, xeriscape, water harvesting techniques, and other sustainable approaches
• Knowledge of common desert agriculture irrigation practices
• Familiarity with plant, disease, and pest identification
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• Master's Degree in plant sciences, horticulture, or related field
• Two years of applicable professional experience working in Arizona or an area with similar conditions
• One or more years of agriculture industry experience
• Teaching and volunteer management experience, formal or informal
• Experience managing volunteer program
• Must possess a valid driver's license upon employment and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy
• Provide own transportation, when necessary and be able to travel statewide and perform activities associated with conducting programs

• Experience in obtaining external funding
• Experience in communicating in Spanish and English to work with Spanish-speaking clientele

Assistant

Continuing-Eligible (CE)

Exempt

Full Time

40

1.0

Fiscal

Agriculture and Extension

Yes - Full Benefits

$57,000

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

1

Blase Evancho

520 836-5221, x215

3/30/2021

Yes

CUSTOM.DOCUMENTS.REQUIRED

For your application to be considered complete, please attach these four documents:

• CV, cover letter, and two sample publications (as two separate attachments)

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution and a Native American/Alaska Native-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.