Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent

Posting Details

Job Title

Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent

Posting Number

P0213F

Job Description Summary

This position will be housed in Headland, AL

Program Priority Areas: Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests.

Geographic Area: Southeast Alabama, serving Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties.

Responsibilities: Programming from this team is diverse, covering training opportunities for green industry professionals, and for non-commercial gardeners/homeowners. Green industry programs can include athletic field management, pesticide safety training, and irrigation. Non-commercial horticulture can include backyard fruit, nut and vegetable culture, lawn and ornamental installation and maintenance, water quality, waste management, and pest management. All of these must promote best management practices and the appropriate use of all pest management products.

The REA will be housed at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL. The REA will utilize all available technologies in their educational outreach as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters and workshops/group meetings. Related to non-commercial horticulture, the Master Gardener volunteer program is a responsibility of this team. REA’s coordinate volunteer training classes and guide volunteer efforts in public outreach. Designing and participating in applied research/demonstration with other agents and Specialists benefits both green industry and non-commercial audiences. All REAs are expected to support the team’s program impact evaluations each year. All REAs are expected to participate in regional and state horticulture associations, developing their reputation as educational leaders with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Team Descriptions: The Home Grounds team includes Regional Extension Agents (REAs), Urban Regional Extension Agents (UREAs), County Extension Coordinators (CECs), and Extension Specialists. The REA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the REA will partner with other REAs and the region’s CECs to provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the team’s programs conducted in the region.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science or related field is required. The successful incumbent will be required to obtain a master’s degree within five years after successfully completing a probationary period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in planning and delivering educational programs in residential horticulture related to plant/pest management, and should have practical knowledge of horticultural and environmental best management practices in ornamental and fruit/vegetable crops. Candidates must demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups representing diverse clientele. Successful applicants must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to respectfully self-motivate their daily priorities. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

Desired Qualifications

A Master’s degree is preferred and does not require work experience to apply.

Extension and/or green industry experience is desired.

Experience recruiting, teaching, and leading volunteers to deliver horticulture related programs is highly valued.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Open Date

03/30/2021

Close Date

05/02/2021

Open Until Filled

No

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Website
   • Public Job Posting (auemployment.com site)
   • Academic Conference
   • Agency Referral
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Personal Referral
   • Veterans Assistance Services (Veteran Job Boards, Military Base Services, State Vet Rep, etc.)
   • Disability Assistance Services (Disability Job Boards, ABLE Network, Voc-Rehab referral, etc.)
   • Other
2. * Please enter the specifics of the option you selected above:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Resume

Optional Documents