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State Specialist in Ornamental Plants

Employer
Kentucky State University
Location
Kentucky, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Sep 30, 2022
  • TITLE: STATE SPECIALIST IN ORNAMENTAL PLANTS FOR SMALL PRODUCERS

    DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program

    REPORTS TO: Dean, College of Agriculture Community and the Sciences

    EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will remain open until filled

    EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

    EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

    INTERNAL CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

    PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination Extension (75%) and applied research (25%).

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination of Extension (75%) and applied research (25%) responsibilities. The successful candidate that will develop a nationally recognized Extension program for small and minority farms with emphasis in programing concerning marketing and production strategies in ornamental plants for small sale production. This programing should focus of opportunities in cut flower production and of unique bedding plants and perennial plants that would have marketing potential via farmers markets, on-farm sales, pop-up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives. This position will work to provide agent trainings for Extension professionals as well as off-campus workshops targeted towards stakeholders in ornamental corps for small producers. The position will also support the creation of demonstration gardens on the Kentucky State University campus as part of an arboretum project. This position will conduct some applied research supporting ornamental production for small producers, including cut flower trials, and possibly teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in the area of greenhouse management or ornamental plants production.

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

    1. Work cooperatively in ornamental plants for small-sale production with other state Extension specialists in developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-disciplinary activities with agent training, and workshops.

    2. Develop curricula for Extension agents in ornamental plants for small sale production.

    3. Provide statewide leadership in Extension programming in ornamental plants for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.

    4. Develop Extension factsheets, informational documents, journal articles, and research new advancement in ornamental plants for small sale production

    5. Develop virtual educational resources and web-based Extension programs through social media offerings in ornamental plants for small sale production.

    6. This position will work to provide agent trainings for Extension professionals as well as workshops for various stakeholder groups in ornamental plants for small sale production.

    7. Develop collaborations with state and federal cooperators, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop ornamental plants for small sale production and disseminate opportunities to small-scale farmers and other stakeholders.

    8. Participate actively in the appropriate professional societies, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.

    9. Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies to enhance Extension programming.

    10. Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land grant and non-land grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of Extension programming.

    11. Conduct some applied research supporting opportunities in cut flower production and of unique bedding plants and perennial plants that would have marketing potential via farmers markets, on-farm sales, pop-up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives to small and minority farms.

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

    13. Potentially develop and teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in the area of ornamental plants for small sale production.

    14. Other related duties as required.

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

    QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Ph.D. or Masters of Science degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

    • Ability to lead and guide technical and professional staff.

    • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

    • Advanced ability to write successful grant proposals.

    • Advanced verbal and written communication skills.

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

    • Knowledge and experience in working with limited-resource and minority group clientele.

    • Knowledge of current and emerging research trends in areas of expertise.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

    • This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities.

    • Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 20 pounds or some standing or walking.

    • Overnight travel in-state and out-of-state required (25%).

    Revised: 08/05/2022

    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. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.

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