Skip to main content

This job has expired

Extension Educator III - Production Agriculture

Employer
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Location
UMass Amherst

View more

Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution
Send job

Job Details

Job no: 518183
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: UMass Extension
Union: PSU
Categories: Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

About the UMass Extension Agriculture Program

UMass Extension’s Agriculture Program includes groups working in production agriculture, commercial horticulture, and cross-cutting services including diagnostic testing and pesticide education. The Production Agriculture group supports the adoption of sustainable practices in Massachusetts agriculture through education, consultation, and applied research. Extension Educators deliver knowledge derived from scientific research and incorporate a real-world understanding of variability and challenges in the farming sector.

Job Summary

The Production Agriculture Extension Educator serves as a subject matter expert in one or more critical areas for specialty crops in Massachusetts agriculture, such as weed science and ecology, climate adaptation, irrigation management, cropping systems, nutrient management, and entomology. As a member of the Fruit and Vegetable Teams, this position uses this expertise to develop and deliver education and consultation to farmers to contribute to publications, presentations, and collaborations intended to strengthen the economic and environmental sustainability of farms of many sizes and types and to conduct applied research in response to grower needs.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as internal and external subject matter expert in one or more areas of importance to specialty crop producers who seek to grow productive and healthy crops in the face of climate change, pest pressure, and public expectations of increased environmental services. Examples include weed science and ecology, climate adaptation, irrigation management, cropping systems, nutrient management, and entomology. Participates in one or more Extension teams of staff and faculty serving specific agricultural sectors or addressing specific challenges.
  • Applies subject matter expertise to develop, organize and teach educational programs and provide research-based information to farmers and other clientele regarding production practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Responds to crop management inquiries from vegetable and fruit growers and other stakeholders and advises on diagnosing problems and adopting and adapting appropriate practices.
  • Contributes to production of educational materials developed by one or more Production Agriculture teams, such as newsletters, management guides, fact sheets, articles, and web and social media content.
  • Contributes expertise and effort to collaborations with Extension staff, faculty, and external partners that address agricultural and food system challenges with state and regional impact.
  • Plans and conducts applied research, demonstration trials, and projects in area of expertise and in response to established and emerging needs. Conducts or supervises general plot maintenance (including pesticide treatments) at the Cold Spring Research and Education Orchard, South Deerfield Crops Research and Education Center and other research locations. Communicates with and visits growers to manage on-farm projects.
  • Conducts needs assessment, develops program objectives, designs delivery methods and develops evaluation procedures in collaboration with supervisor and other Extension Staff and Faculty. Conducts periodic evaluations of program effectiveness. Uses evaluation to inform future programs.
  • Seeks out and manages external funding from services, competitive grants and other sources to support programming efforts. Participates in overall Program management, including staff coordination and evaluation, planning, reporting and financial administration.
  • Maintains and increases personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities and continuing education. Prepares and implements professional development plan.
  • Develops relationships with agricultural businesses, producers, consumers, advisory committees, research centers, non-profits, and related agencies to assess conditions, needs, and strategies to achieve program goals and measure desired outcomes. Represents Extension Program at the campus, regional or state level.

    • Other Functions

  • Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
  • Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

    • Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Master of Science degree in biological, horticultural or agricultural science or closely related field.
  • Three (3) years’ relevant experience. Experience can be as part of work towards a graduate degree.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and perform physical activities associated with crop research and scouting.
  • General proficiency using computers to perform work independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff, students and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to legally drive a vehicle in Massachusetts within 60 days of start date.
  • Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License or appropriate Certification, or agreement to pursue license or certification within 3 months of hire.


    • Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Expertise in soil, nutrient, and/or weed management in vegetable and/or fruit production systems.
  • Familiarity with crop production and Integrated Pest Management in New England.
  • Demonstrated ability to implement effective educational programs with diverse audiences and use current electronic media for education and outreach.
  • Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding to support program activities.
  • Demonstrated professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, government agencies, and/or other groups related to the position.
  • Proficiency with data analysis and/or layout and publication software (e.g. SAS, In-Design, Drupal).

    • Physical Demands/Working Conditions

    • Includes office and outdoor conditions that may require physical activity in all weather and uneven terrain.

    Additional Details

    • This is a grant-funded, 24-month position that may be extended pending additional funding.

    Work Schedule

  • Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm or as required to carry out program activities.
  • Some evenings and weekends and travel required.

    • Salary Information

    Level 27

    PSU Hiring Ranges

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Along with the application, please submit a resume, letter of application, Diversity Statement (see below) and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

    As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion.

    UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

    Advertised: Apr 3 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
    Applications close:

    Organization

    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the preeminent public research universities in America. Nestled in idyllic Amherst, Massachusetts—often called “The top college town in North America”—the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the nation, and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. 

    As one of the nation's top public research universities – as measured by national and international rankings, academic citations, and research funding – the campus spends more than $180 million on research each year, demonstrating its contribution to the nation’s position as a technological and economic leader. The university works in conjunction with academic, government, and private partners to translate new knowledge and scientific discoveries into technical innovations and scholarly works that create opportunities for students, faculty and the public. 

    Eight schools and colleges offer more than 85 undergraduate majors, 68 master’s and 48 doctoral degree programs, many counted among the top programs in the nation and world. UMass Amherst is also home to New England's premier honors college.

    The 1,159 full-time faculty members are dedicated teachers and world-renowned researchers and the campus has regularly been listed among the top performers in terms of faculty awards. With over 24,000 students from all 50 states and over 70 countries, the student body is the most academically successful in the history of the campus. Students participate in 240 organizations, 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams, extensive intramurals, living-learning residence halls, community service, and internships. With one of the largest residential life systems in the nation, UMass Amherst houses approximately 12,000 students on campus. The university is enjoying a facilities renaissance, including new buildings in the sciences, the arts, and recreation. UMass Amherst is part of the Five College consortium with Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst colleges.

    As an employer, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a national leader in developing family-friendly policies, benefits and amenities designed to help faculty members develop both productive careers and satisfying personal lives. The university offers one of the nation’s most generous parental leave policies. The university is also part of the Academic Career Network, a regional consortium formed to serve dual-career couples and encourage greater diversity in the academy.

     

    Company info
    Website
    Telephone
    4135454894
    Location
    181 PRESIDENTS DR
    Whitmore Administration Building
     Amherst
    Massachusetts
    01003
    US
    Send job

    Get job alerts

    Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

    Create alert