University of Delaware Hiring for Extension Agent II, Agronomy at Delaware, United States Full Time

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which
encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women,
Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University’s Notice
of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 499346
Work Type: Staff
Location: Dover
Categories: Full Time, Extension and Outreach

Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:

Agriculture is a major industry in Delaware and on the Delmarva
(Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) peninsula. In this region, poultry,
grain crops, fresh market vegetables, and processing vegetables are
the primary agricultural commodities. This position is based in
Kent County, Delaware, which has over 800 farms with 170,000 acres
in production and agricultural sales over $250 million. Main field
crops are corn (50,000 acres, 21,000 irrigated), soybeans (65,000
acres), and wheat and barley (42,000 acres). Kent County is in the
top 2 percent of 3,079 U.S. counties in value of vegetables sold
with sweet corn, lima beans, peas, and cucumbers being major crops
(17,000 acres). There are 200 poultry farms that raise over
7,000,000 chickens yearly for meat. Kent County also has 6,000
acres of forage crops supporting dairy, beef, and equine
operations. The State capital (Dover) and a major US Air Force base
are in the county. It is home to one university (Delaware State)
and branch campuses of the Delaware Technical and Community
College, the University of Delaware, and Wilmington University. It
has a population of 181,000 (2021).

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension serves as the link
between the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and
local communities. Delaware Cooperative Extension delivers high
quality, science-based information in the areas of agriculture,
horticulture, youth development, and family and consumer sciences.
This position will help support the agricultural community in
Delaware as part of a multi-disciplinary team of faculty and
professionals in the College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources.

The Agriculture Agent serves as a recognized local resource in
commercial agriculture production. Working closely with the
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Agriculture team, the
Agriculture Agent will identify and address important agriculture
issues for farmers, crop consultants, and the commercial
agriculture industry. Agricultural issues the Agent can expect to
work on include agronomic and vegetable crop production, integrated
pest management, irrigation, pasture and hay production, nutrient
management, cover crop, climate, smart agriculture, carbon capture
processes and business development. This will include frequent site
visits, development and delivery of agricultural workshops in
commercial crop production, planning and contributing to annual
meetings such as Delaware Ag Week and Mid-Atlantic Crop Management
School, and working together with the soil-testing laboratory and
plant diagnostic clinic to provide technical assistance and
services to industry clientele. This position will be located at
the University of Delaware Paradee Building in Dover, Delaware and
will report to the Kent County Extension Director.

Major Responsibilities:

• Identify critical areas of concern related to commercial crop
  production in Kent County, Delaware.
• Plan, develop, and implement relevant and innovative
  educational programs without supervision using science-based
  information to help address and resolve issues in the areas of
  commercial field crop production (corn, soybeans, small grains),
  commercial vegetable crop production (sweet corn, lima beans, and
  other vegetables), and forage crop management (hay and
  pasture).
• Provide educational opportunities for continuing education
  credits for Delaware Nutrient Management and Delaware Pesticide
  Applicators license holders.
• 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.
• Collaborate with 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 closely with various State and federal agencies including
  the Delaware Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural
  Resources and Environmental Control.
• Represent UD Extension as an ex-officio member of the Kent
  Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, and the USDA Natural
  Resources Conservation Service and have familiarity with programs
  associated with these agencies. Represent UD Extension at the Fruit
  and Vegetable Grower Association of Delaware meetings. The Agent
  will also work with the local Farm Bureau, Delaware Soybean Board,
  and other producer organizations.
• Partner with Extension specialists and others on grant
  opportunities and external fund development. Manage extension
  program related funds.
• 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.
• Continue to develop professional expertise and competence. Stay
  current with production practices and industry issues and obtain
  special certifications as deemed necessary.
• Create marketing materials and strategies for promotion of
  extension programs.
• Implement initiatives in support of the affirmative action
  plan; ensure equal opportunity and access to Extension programs for
  all individuals.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures,
  and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data
  governance rules

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years’ experience or master’s
  degree plus two years’ experience, in Extension teaching, research
  or closely related field in agronomy, soils, crops, or other
  related area.
• Ability and interest in developing and delivering relevant
  educational programs to the public.
• Evidence of service and demonstrated leadership skills working
  with the agricultural private sector, trade organizations,
  universities, and state and federal agencies.
• Experience developing strong working relationships with
  producers, agricultural organizations, academic colleagues, or the
  public.
• Possess effective organization, communication, public
  relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Extension programming which involves
  responding to clientele and community needs.
• Proficient computer and technological skills including use of
  software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and
  website updates.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing
  needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities,
  cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where
  diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires some irregular work hours, such as
  occasional nighttime and weekend work.
• Access to private reliable means of transportation. If using
  personal vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative
Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity
or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital
status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other
characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment,
educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and
scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and
University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits
unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual
violence.

Applications close:

PI192541559