Job Description

Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:

Cooperative Extension is an informal, educational, nationwide network that combines the expertise and resources of federal, state and local governments to improve people's lives. For a century, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has made a difference in the First State by providing quality educational programming to individuals and communities, based on university research and aimed at meeting the expressed needs of our constituents. The outreach arm of USDA and the American land-grant university system, Cooperative Extension takes the University to the people with programming that includes food safety; nutrition, diet and health; water quality; 4-H and youth development; sustainable agriculture; natural resources and environmental management; agricultural competitiveness and profitability; home gardening; family development and resource management; leadership and volunteer development; and personal safety-on the road, in the home and on the farm, and much more.

Under general direction of the New Castle County Extension Director and the Agriculture Program Leader, the Extension Agent II delivers non-formal educational programming to agriculture producers, industry and the general public and is part of a team of professionals delivering programming to the citizens of Delaware. Additional program support is provided by personnel in the Ag program team.

Major Responsibilities:

● Identify critical issues of concern related to a diversity of farming operations in New Castle County, Delaware including but not limited to animal agriculture, small-scale farming, urban, and climate smart agriculture. Work collaboratively within the state and region to plan, develop, implement and evaluate relevant agricultural educational programs without supervision using science-based information to help address and resolve issues in the areas of, but not limited to, commercial and smaller scale production, animal science, hay and forages, and to provide opportunities for continuing education credits for Delaware Nutrient Management and Pesticide Applicator license holders.
● Develop workshops, demonstrations, newsletters, fact sheets and web content based on current scientific knowledge to provide support to Delaware residents and producers involved in agriculture while keeping abreast of current issues/developments in the various disciplines.
● Employ a variety of educational delivery methods to help clientele (farmers, agriculture industry) understand and adopt new practices, procedures, and skills based on current science. Delivery methods include on-site visits, newsletters, fact sheets, field demonstrations and tours, virtual learning opportunities, educational meetings, workshops, short courses, online publications, and contributing to the Weekly Crop Update, the Delaware Agronomy Blog and the UD Extension website.
● Serve as the Cooperative Extension point of contact for the agricultural industry in New Castle County.
● Work with clientele to solve agricultural production issues including but not limited to animal science, forage and grain, and fruit and vegetable crops.
● Serve as a member of the Extension Agriculture program team and work collaboratively with statewide programming as part of the Extension Plan of Work. Collaborate with the Departments in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and other county-based Extension staff and with the various agricultural Extension Specialists in Delaware and the region. Responsibilities may include conducting applied field research and participating in educational meetings and workshops such as Delaware Agriculture Week and Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School.
● Work with related state and federal agencies including DE Department of Agriculture (DDA), Conservation District, Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
● Support and collaborate with interest/industry groups as appropriate.
● Support and collaborate with youth groups like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H Youth Development.
● Establish and maintain program advisory groups to identify program needs and evaluate ongoing programs.
● Seek additional funding resources through grants, sponsors and donors to expand and enhance educational opportunities.
● Supervise volunteers, extension scholars, interns and independent study students as needed.
● Implement initiatives in support of the affirmative action plan, ensure equal opportunity and access to Extension programs for all individuals.
● Document and track program impact based on stated objectives, develop effective evaluation techniques, and enter this information into internal tracking software. Prepare annual program impact reports.
● Maintain and improve professional competence through formal and non-formal means.
● Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules
● Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, or related field and four years’ related experience, or Master’s plus two years’ experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience.
● Knowledge of Extension and adult education methods.
● Excellent organizational, management and human relations skills.
● Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
● Ability to effectively motivate and teach on an individual/group basis with a variety of audiences and educational levels.
● Ability to work and lead other professionals in programming.

Special Requirements:

● Some evening and weekend work.
● Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.
● Employment is contingent upon passing a comprehensive background investigation, which indicates that the individual is suitable for employment in compliance with applicable federal and/or state regulations.

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