Extension Assoc Aquaculture & Aquatic Science

TITLE: Extension Associate in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: 4H Program Leader 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: KSU Extension Location in Glasgow or Bowling Green, KY

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Extension Associate in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science is an Extension position serving communities, schools, agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders throughout Western Kentucky. The position will be based in a designated Kentucky State University Extension office in either Glasgow or Bowling Green, Kentucky, as determined by the University. This position is not a remote position and requires regular, reliable, and punctual on-site attendance at the assigned KSU Extension office, as well as travel throughout Western Kentucky to provide educational programming, outreach, technical assistance, presentations, site visits, and other Extension services to the communities and populations served.

The Extension Associate will conduct Extension educational programming focused on aquaculture, aquatic science, fisheries, pond management, water resources, and closely related areas. A significant component of the position will involve developing and delivering educational programs in schools throughout Western Kentucky and working with students, educators, community members, producers, agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders. The position will collaborate with personnel in the Extension Program and faculty and other personnel in the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science to develop and deliver educational programs and outreach activities. The School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science is a collaborating academic unit within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources and is not the employee's administrative or supervisory department.

The Extension Associate will contribute to the land-grant mission of Kentucky State University and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources through Extension education, outreach, engagement, applied educational programming, and collaboration with University personnel and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programs in schools throughout Western Kentucky related to aquaculture, aquatic science, fisheries, water resources, conservation, and related topics.Provide educational presentations, workshops, demonstrations, site visits, field activities, and other Extension programming for students, educators, community members, producers, agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders.Respond to requests for information and technical assistance concerning aquatic resources, aquaculture, fisheries, pond management, and related subjects from community members, educators, producers, agency personnel, and the public.Work collaboratively with the Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Program Leader and other Extension personnel to identify educational needs and develop programs that support the communities and populations served by Extension.Collaborate with faculty and other personnel in the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science to develop and deliver educational programs, outreach activities, demonstrations, and other initiatives related to aquaculture and aquatic science.Consult and collaborate with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Division of Water, and other state and federal agencies to identify opportunities for collaboration, share educational resources, and maintain awareness of relevant Extension activities.Develop and disseminate Extension educational materials, including factsheets, newsletters, digital information, presentations, informational materials, and other resources appropriate for Extension audiences.Review and communicate applicable aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic science, and related applied research findings for use in Extension education and outreach.Assess the educational needs of schools, communities, producers, agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders and communicate those needs to Extension leadership and appropriate University personnel.Develop educational approaches and materials that effectively reach diverse populations and communities, including populations that may be underserved or difficult to reach through traditional programming methods.Participate in professional conferences, Extension conferences, workshops, symposia, and other educational events and provide presentations or other program contributions as appropriate.Assist with organizing conferences, workshops, symposia, educational events, conference sessions, and other Extension activities.Participate in appropriate professional organizations, committees, community committees, and program committees that support the objectives of the position and the University.Establish and maintain productive communication with local, state, and federal representatives, schools, community organizations, industry representatives, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders regarding Extension programs and activities.Assist with identifying community, industry, nonprofit, and other partnership opportunities that may support Extension programming and the educational mission of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.Develop and maintain an active and engaging presence through appropriate digital communication platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and other communication tools used to promote Extension programming.Maintain accurate records of Extension programming, contacts, educational activities, travel, and other information required for program evaluation, reporting, and accountability.Travel throughout Western Kentucky to schools, communities, farms, ponds, agencies, organizations, conference locations, and other sites as necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at the assigned Kentucky State University Extension office and other required work locations.Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Knowledge of aquaculture, aquatic science, fisheries, pond management, water resources, or closely related subject matter.Ability to develop and deliver educational programs appropriate for students, educators, community members, producers, and other Extension audiences.Ability to communicate scientific and technical information effectively to individuals and groups with varying levels of subject-matter knowledge.Knowledge of digital communication tools, social media, websites, newsletters, presentation software, and other communication platforms.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with schools, community organizations, government agencies, University personnel, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.Ability to assess stakeholder needs and develop educational programs and resources responsive to those needs.Strong organizational, planning, time-management, and program coordination skills.Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with Extension personnel, University faculty and staff, and external partners.Ability to travel throughout Western Kentucky and perform work in school, community, field, office, and other environments as required by the position.Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and maintain any required authorization to drive for University business. 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

This position does not have regular supervisory responsibility for full-time employees but may provide direction to student employees, interns, volunteers, and temporary personnel participating in Extension programming. 

OTHER DUTIES: 

Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of Kentucky State University and the Cooperative Extension Program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic science, environmental science, natural resources, biology, education, or a closely related discipline.Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.Ability to travel throughout Western Kentucky and work from the assigned Kentucky State University Extension office.A valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle for University business.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Related professional, Extension, educational, outreach, aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic science, natural resources, or community engagement experience.Experience developing or delivering educational programs in schools, communities, or other public settings.Experience working with aquaculture, fisheries, pond management, aquatic resources, water quality, conservation, or related subject matter.Experience collaborating with schools, government agencies, community organizations, producers, nonprofit organizations, or other external stakeholders.Graduate degree in aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic science, natural resources, biology, environmental science, education, or a closely related discipline. 

Licensing and Certifications:

Valid driver's license is required.Must be able to travel throughout Kentucky and occasionally outside the state as required for Extension programming, conferences, and professional development.Ability to obtain and maintain any certifications or training required by Kentucky State University, the Cooperative Extension Program, or funding agencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The position requires regular travel throughout Western Kentucky and may require extended periods of driving to schools, communities, agencies, organizations, field sites, conferences, and other locations. The position requires regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at the assigned Kentucky State University Extension office and is not eligible for remote work as a regular work arrangement.Work may be performed in office, school, classroom, community, outdoor, farm, pond, and other field environments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, including hot or cold temperatures, rain, mud, uneven terrain, water, and other conditions associated with outdoor and field-based Extension activities.The position may require the employee to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, supplies, or other items weighing up to 50 pounds.The position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support educational programs, workshops, conferences, school activities, community events, field activities, or other Extension programming.The employee must be able to travel independently to assigned locations throughout Western Kentucky and perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

 

 

 

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.