Local, Regional and Safe Foods Technician – Program Technician

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Type of Position:Research

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the
Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at bbatiste@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:Horticulture * Assistant Professor

Department's Website:

uada.edu

Summary of Job Duties:The Local, Regional and Safe Foods Technician – Program Technician (PT) will be responsible for supporting the Local, Regional and Safe Foods program. This PT will report to the Food Systems and Food Safety Program Leader. The PT provides outreach, education and technical assistance to Arkansas produce growers, community stakeholders and county extension agents for the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, alternative produce safety training for strawberries and microgreens and for local food system development. Identifies, enrolls, and trains produce growers, stakeholders, and county agents in food systems and safety training. The position is in support of extension activities and is responsible for performing a wide variety of tasks for the program, interacting with faculty, staff and external clientele to serve their needs both virtually and in-person. This position is suited for someone with experience in public health education, agriculture, agricultural education, horticulture, food science, or related areas. The PT will need to take initiative and be self-directed and work well in a team setting. The PT may also host virtual and in-person meetings and educational training sessions with agricultural producers and community stakeholders in support of agriculture education, agritourism, farm to school or other local foods extension programs.

Job Duties:
Plan coordination of and host training workshops. Implement the goals and objectives of projects and direct day-to-day project operation, including managing implementation of project activities, coordination with other agencies, and ensuring that reports and documentation are submitted. Serve as a liaison to Lead Instructors for public Produce Safety Rule training with respect to gathering attendance numbers and info. Travel to conference and meetings in state and out of state, as necessary. Assist with technical assistance management, tracking, and evaluation. Prepare educational materials and develop web content, promotional materials, press releases, etc. Monitor program implementation, assist collaborators and county extension agents, coordinate activities with the team.

Skills:
Excellent communications skills (written and oral), publications, presentations, educational curriculum development, and extensive experience with web and social media presence. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data management, & email programs. Ability to develop & deliver quality presentations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is required. Degrees should be relevant in public health, food science, food safety, food systems, agriculture, horticulture, rural or community development, or related fields. Demonstrated competence to independently manage programs is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working to support the development of community or local food systems and food safety. Understanding of issues related to community, local and healthy food supply chains. Grants management and/or writing experience. On-farm, field experience in agriculture production practices and food safety. Certified produce safety educator.

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Additional Information:

Applicants for this position are requested to upload a Resume (or CV), Cover letter, Official or Unofficial Transcript, and three (3) Letters of Recommendation prior to submitting the application. Once an application is submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit the application or upload additional documents.

If you have technical issues uploading a document or if you would like to provide additional documentation after submitting your application, email documents to humanresources@uada.edu Documents will be uploaded to your profile after receipt of confirmation.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service. Email: aperez@uada.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture commits itself to policies of affirmative action and diversity with respect to both employment opportunities and program participation. The Division complies with these policies not merely because of legal requirements, but because we believe that such practices are basic to human dignity. As such, the Division welcomes all applicants to apply without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Candidates must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:Driving, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Standing, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:N/A

Benefits Eligible:Yes