Extension Associate Small Ruminant Farms (West Regional Center)

• TITLE: Extension Associate of Small Ruminant Farms (West Regional Center)
  
  DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension
  
  REPORTS TO: West Regional Extension Director
  
  LOCATION: Bowling Green, KY
  
  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 Extension Associate of Small Ruminant Farms will assist Kentucky farmers to increase their sustainability and profitability by optimizing animal health and productivity. This position will be expected to deliver high-impact extension programs to address the critical and emergent issues in relevance to the small ruminant industry, focusing on goat production. Extension programming is open but should include sheep and goat topics relevant to the needs of west Kentucky.
  
  SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Extension Associate of Small Ruminant Farms will perform Extension duties include assisting in the planning, designing, and implementation of educational programs to increase small ruminant production, assist stakeholders with questions related to small ruminant health, and other duties as required. Travel related to the above responsibilities required.
  
  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  
  

1. Support and participate in extension/outreach activities related to Small Ruminants.
2. Collects data and performs statistical analysis.
3. Leads extension programs and activities
4. Must keep current with small ruminant care, practices, and procedures
5. Collaborate with KSU and UK Extension agents to plan and execute programs to educate small farmers regarding small ruminants.
6. Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources needed.
7. Complete various Cooperative Extension reports (KERS, Quarterly Report, Plans of work, etc.
8. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of small ruminants
• Provide leadership to an educational process where youth and adults learn basic animal health
• Collaborate with KSU 4-H Youth Development Agents to plan and execute programs for youth.
• Determine unit program needs by monitoring trends and issues and conducting unit assessments involving the unit Advisory Committee and other leadership committees.
• Network and build coalitions with other agencies, organizations and institutions to address the complex youth and family issues.
• Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources needed.
• Organize and maintain a multi-level system of recognition and incentives for youth and volunteers in the program on an annual basis.
• Complete various Cooperative Extension reports (KERS, Quarterly Report, Plans of work, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: Master's in Agriculture, Biology, Biotechnology, or related field required. 1 to 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: None.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.



PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift large boxes up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to travel (25%).
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, especially during the summer (35%).
• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires some standing or walking.
• A valid driver 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. 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.