Senior Extension Associate Horticulture

Employer: Kentucky State University
Location: Frankfort, KY, US

View more categoriesView less categories

Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

Apply on website

Send job

Job Details
Organization

Job Details

TITLE: Senior Extension Associate-Horticulture (Controlled Environment Growing)

LOCATION: West Louisville Extension Office

DEPARTMENT: Community Resource Development (CRD)

REPORTS TO: Program Leader in Community Resource Development

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Extension Associate in Horticulture for Container Farming will be responsible for providing expertise and support to individuals, organizations, and communities interested in implementing and optimizing container farming practices. This role involves offering guidance, conducting research, delivering educational programs, and promoting sustainable and efficient container farming techniques. The Extension Horticulturist will serve as a valuable resource to enhance productivity, improve crop quality, and address challenges related to container farming.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Lead Learning Experiences and Workshops

Provide expert advice and guidance to individuals, organizations, and communities interested in container farming.

Conduct site visits and assessments to evaluate existing container farming systems and provide recommendations for improvement.

Assist in the planning, design, and setup of container farms, considering factors such as crop selection, environmental conditions, and resource management.

Create or research best practices into educational materials that extension staff may implement or utilize for programming.

Develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and training sessions on container farming techniques, best practices, and crop management.

Create educational materials, including manuals, guides, and online resources, to support the learning and development of container farmers.

Collaborate with educational institutions, agricultural organizations, and community groups to promote container farming education and awareness.

Stay updated with the latest advancements in container farming technologies, equipment, and crop varieties.

Conduct research and experiments to evaluate the performance and productivity of different crops in container farming systems.

Collaborate with research institutions and participate in industry conferences to contribute to the advancement of container farming knowledge.

Identify and address challenges and issues faced by container farmers, such as pest management, nutrient deficiencies, and crop diseases.

Provide recommendations and solutions to overcome challenges, optimize crop yields, and ensure the long-term success of container farming operations.

Stay accessible and responsive to inquiries and requests for assistance from container farmers.

Build and maintain relationships with container farming professionals, agricultural experts, and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Participate in relevant professional associations, conferences, and workshops to expand professional networks and stay informed about industry trends.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Extensive knowledge of horticulture.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.

Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.

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

Records maintenance skills.

Strong planning and organizational skills.

Ability to plan and teach educational programs.

Ability to use new technologies in order to promote programs and reach new audiences.

Ability to work well in teams.

Ability and understanding of the Land Grant mission and vision, University policies, procedures and objectives in planning and conducting Extension programs.

Knowledge of federal and state agricultural agencies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

No or very limited physical effort required.

No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

OTHER DUTIES:

The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.

Three to Five years of related work experience

Proven experience in container farming or greenhouse production.

In-depth knowledge of horticultural practices, plant physiology, and crop management techniques.

Familiarity with sustainable agriculture principles and environmental stewardship.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Ability to facilitate learning among diverse audiences

Ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings in a clear and concise manner.

Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Demonstrated passion for sustainable agriculture and urban farming practices.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have received, reviewed and fully understand the job description for ____________________. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described.  

Employee Name __________________________________________ Date _____________________  (printed name)  

Employee Signature _________________________________________________

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

Organization

Our Mission

Kentucky State University is the state's unique, small, liberal studies institution with the lowest student-faculty ratio in the state system. The University shall serve as a residential institution with a range of traditional collegiate programs appropriate to its unique role.

Geographic Region
Kentucky State University's geographic region shall be state-wide for its liberal studies mission, its land grant functions, and its service to state government. In addition, Kentucky State University's primary service area for commuting students shall be for Franklin and contiguous counties.

Institutional Admission Standards
Kentucky State University shall admit students to the institution under selective admission standards to which exceed the minimum guidelines established by the Council on Higher Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional policy for admitting under-prepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide broad access and high-quality programs.

Degree Levels
Selected associate and baccalaureate degree programs shall be oriented toward liberal studies and selected career opportunities related to state government services. Kentucky State University shall offer selected master's degree programs based on demonstrated need, with priority given to a public administration curriculum to meet the needs of state government.

Strategic Directions/Program Priorities
The University shall focus on liberal studies programming. Drawing upon its African-American heritage, the University will promote the values and methods of interdisciplinary and multicultural education in its liberal studies offerings. All students shall participate in common curricula that explore the liberal studies. Drawing upon the multicultural strengths of the University, emphasis shall be placed on preparing minority students for careers in education and in other selected professions including business, computer science, nursing, human services, and public services. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree programs at the associate [A], baccalaureate [B], and master's [M] levels that may include the following: education [B]; business [B]; computer science [A,B]; nursing [A]; home economics [B]; human services [B]; and public administration [B,M].

Enhancement of Instruction
The University shall emphasize teaching. Meeting student needs shall be paramount. The University shall focus on the needs of its students, which include, but are not limited to, full-time and part-time residential students, commuting students from its primary service area, and state governmental employees.

Service and Research Functions
Kentucky State University, as the 1890 land grant institution in the system, shall carry out its responsibilities under federal law and participate fully in appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, in accord with the mission of the University.

Kentucky State University shall be the major repository for the collection of books, records, and artifacts relative to the history and status of African-American citizens of the Commonwealth and elsewhere. The University shall make such materials available for casual and scholarly study.

Kentucky State University shall focus on meeting the applied research and service needs of state government.

Collaborative Ventures
The priority master's degree program offered by Kentucky State University shall be carefully articulated with related doctoral programs offered by the doctoral-granting institutions in the system. The University shall develop and employ telecommunication resources to communicate with other institutions in the fulfillment of its mission. Curriculum development shall emphasize the transfer of credits form other institutions toward degree completion.

Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.

Efficiency and Effectiveness
Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.

Check out Kentucky State University Youtube channel!

Company info