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Extension Agent Horticulture (Jefferson County)


  • TITLE: Extension Agent for Horticulture (Jefferson County)

    DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension

    REPORTS TO: Regional Extension Director

    EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

    EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

    EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

    LOCATION: Jefferson County

    PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The Extension Agent for Horticulture (Jefferson County) is a member of the off-campus public service staff of Kentucky State University. The Horticulture Agent serves provides unbiased research-based, practical, and useful information to underserve and socially disadvantaged Kentuckians through virtual methods, and face-to-face programs.

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Extension Agent for Horticulture reports to the County Operations Assistant Extension Administrator. This position will serve all clientele ensuring that all youth and adults have equal opportunity to participate in Extension programs regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or age.

    ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without accommodation)

    • Deliver educational programming using a range of approaches and media, including but not limited to one-on-one meetings, workshops, field days, site visits, phone calls, email, and other virtual methods of communication.

    • Works collaboratively with Extension specialists and associates in the piloting and implementation of horticulture relevant programs.

    • Works collaboratively with Extension specialists and associates in the piloting and implementation of urban Extension relevant programs.

    • Collaborate with 4-H Agents, school and community leaders to establish gardening and aquaculture programs Develop, implement, and evaluate a county plan of work based on locally identified needs.

    • Plan and conduct educational programs in horticulture; focus will be on ornamental horticulture and urban community gardens

    • Develop and implement leadership programs, including the Jefferson County Extension Master Gardener group.

    • Serve as a conduit to additional programming and information available at Kentucky State University such as community gardening, school gardening urban agriculture, vegetable production, aquaponics, and other related programming.

    • Works with the Louisville Urban Ag Coalition, Shawnee Peoples Garden, AppHarvest, Jefferson County High Schools, and other entities.

    • Establish a community tool library (in partnership with Louisville Urban Ag Coalition and Master Gardeners)

    • Recruit volunteers, create and utilize the expertise of advisory groups, community leaders, public officials, and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and assist in developing educational programs

    • Develop and conduct relevant interdisciplinary programs with other staff members of KSU and the University of Kentucky based on critical issues.

    • Collaborate with other agencies and community groups to plan and implement programs

    • Advise farmers on opportunities to apply for available grant programs such as the KSU Small Scale Farm Program grants, USDA grants, and other grant programs.

    • Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and underrepresented audiences representative of the service area including Limited English Proficient individuals.

    • Serve as a link between researchers and specialists and the local communities served.

    • Demonstrate personal interest and involvement in the community by participating in and supporting civic/community activities/organizations and networking with community leaders

    • Establishes, maintains, and updates files, databases, records, and/or other documents; develops and maintains data, and performs routine analyses and calculations in the processing of data for recurring internal reports.

    OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness management, agricultural education, or a related field.

    • Masters in horticulture or agricultural-related field is preferred. One to three years of related experience in Extension is preferred. Must have own transportation.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

    • Extensive knowledge of horticulture in urban settings.

    • Knowledge of organic and non-organic production systems.

    • Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.

    • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.

    • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

    • Skill in the use of personal computers and related software packages.

    • Records maintenance skills.

    • Strong planning and organizational skills.

    • Ability to plan and teach educational programs.

    • Ability to use new technologies in order to promote programs and reach new audiences.

    • Ability to work well in teams.

    • Ability and understanding of the Land Grant mission and vision, University policies, procedures and objectives in planning and conducting Extension programs.

    • Knowledge of federal and state agricultural agencies.

    Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

    • Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

    • Requires some standing or walking.

    • Ability to lift 40 lbs. required.

    • This position requires some night meetings, weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings.

    • A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the university.

    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.

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