What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources - Southwest Region position at Central State University?
Current target counties in the Southwest Region include Subarea 1: Franklin; Subarea 2: Montgomery, Clark, Greene and Fayette. Target counties identified based on community needs and may change as needs in the region change.
Job Summary:
Extension Educators provide the link between Land Grant University research and Ohioans by
creating learning opportunities that address local issues. Dedicated to helping improve the
quality of life for current and future residents, Educators collaborate with local, county and state
agencies, partner organizations, businesses to analyze needs, develop, implement and oversee
sustainable research based educational programs, and provide resources and expertise to the local
community. A critical aspect is to strengthen the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders, with
special efforts to reach those historically underserved by Extension. Given the demographic and
economic diversity of communities and neighborhoods in the assigned region the Extension
educator is expected to take a proactive role connecting to and engaging with diverse audiences
and stakeholders.
The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Educator will be a remote worker but
will be expected to travel daily to provide programming and to meet with partners. The ANR
Educator serves as a key resource in agriculture and natural resources in their assigned region
providing statewide expertise and programming with a focus on organic, small-scale, niche and
innovative farms. The ANR Educator reports to the Program Leader, ANR and may be requested
to assist in other regions as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct needs assessments to identify critically important issues and educational needs of clientele in the assigned region with a focus on underserved populations.
- Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming.
- Conducts demonstrations, programs and meetings to educate adults and youth in new technology and practices related to agriculture to improve food production for rural, farm and urban families to improve economic wellbeing.
- Identify, interpret, and integrate information to develop and deliver high impact educational programs to adult and youth diverse audiences.
- Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders within the community.
- Establish professional relationships with faculty on campus to enhance Extension programming.
- Participate in and/or lead teams to enhance the scope and reach of Extension programming.
- Assist local, city and community organizations and businesses in the development and promotion of related activities and events.
- Represent CSU Extension with groups and organizations within assigned region.
- Work with producers on identifying disease and insect control and prevention.
- Provide technical assistance on agriculture and natural resource topics and issues.
- Ensure that programs and activities are available to all interested persons in accordance with applicable equal opportunity/civil rights laws and best practices.
- Participate in civil rights and diversity training at the onset of employment, and periodic civil rights and diversity training during their association with the Extension.
- Uphold a respectful, professional communication style both oral and in written
- Develop and cultivate external funding sources to enhance educational programming.
- Submit daily programmatic activities and success stories
- Attend professional development opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with OSU Extension on joint projects.
- Participate in statewide teams.
- Provide expertise to develop and deliver statewide initiatives and programming.
- Work collaboratively with Universities, state and local agencies within assigned region.
- Other responsibilities as required.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, in agricultural sciences, agricultural education, animal sciences, plant sciences, soil sciences, direct/food marketing, or closely related field.
- Knowledge in agriculture practices that includes a specialization in one or more of the following: fruit and vegetable production, greenhouse/high tunnel systems, cropping systems, organic production, soil health, niche/direct marketing, on-farm food safety, farm business/farm management, forage and pasture systems, livestock systems, horticulture, integrated pest management (IPM), agricultural economics, nutrient management, natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Strong oral and written communication, leadership mentoring, and group process skills.
- Evidence of ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Exceptional, proven competencies in interpersonal relationship skills, including the ability to effectively relate to and communicate with staff, faculty, elected officials, colleagues, and program participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, including individuals with limited English skills.
- Ability to interpret and enforce University policy and best practices in a variety of areas, including discrimination allegations, conflict of interest, volunteer management, and program liability.
- Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing reports, presentations, data analysis and internet applications.
- Knowledge of basic educational methods and the ability to effectively teach program specific material.
- Ability to work as a teleworker with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads and meeting deadlines.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Extension organization, operation, philosophy, and commitment to diversity, equity, and intentional outreach to underrepresented community members.
- Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work to meet time demands and/or special needs of program management.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel.
- Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience within specialty field highly desired.
- Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
Salary : $60,000
