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Extension Agent II, Agronomy

Employer
University of Delaware
Location
Delaware, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Sep 24, 2022

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Position Type
Administrative, Academic Affairs, Extension Services
Employment Level
Non-Tenured Track
Employment Type
Full Time
University of Delaware
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

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