Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent

Posting Number

P0728F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Program Priority Areas: Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests

Geographic Area: Northwest Alabama, serving Colbert, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Marion, Morgan, Walker, and Winston Counties. This position will be housed in an office located in one of the counties in the region served.

Responsibilities: Programming from this team is diverse, covering training opportunities for green industry professionals, and for non-commercial gardeners/homeowners. Green industry programs can include athletic field management, pesticide safety training, and irrigation. Non-commercial horticulture can include backyard fruit, nut and vegetable culture, lawn and ornamental installation and maintenance, water quality, waste management, and pest management. All of these must promote best management practices and the appropriate use of all pest management products.

The Regional Extension Agent ( REA ) will utilize all available technologies in their educational outreach as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters and workshops/group meetings. Related to non-commercial horticulture, the Master Gardener volunteer program is a responsibility of this team. REA’s coordinate volunteer training classes and guide volunteer efforts in public outreach. Designing and participating in applied research/demonstration with other agents and Specialists benefits both green industry and non-commercial audiences. All REAs are expected to support the team’s program impact evaluations each year. All REAs are expected to participate in regional and state horticulture associations, developing their reputation as educational leaders with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Team Descriptions: The Home Grounds team includes Regional Extension Agents (REAs), Urban Regional Extension Agents (UREAs), County Extension Coordinators (CECs), and Extension Specialists. The REA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the REA will partner with other REAs and the region’s CECs to provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the team’s programs conducted in the region.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science or related field WITH at least two years of relevant work experience is required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in planning and delivering educational programs in residential horticulture related to plant/pest management, and should have practical knowledge of horticultural and environmental best management practices in ornamental and fruit/vegetable crops. Candidates must demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups representing diverse clientele.

Successful applicants must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to respectfully self-motivate their daily priorities. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

Desired Qualifications

A Master’s degree is preferred and does not require work experience to apply.

Experience recruiting, teaching, and leading volunteers to deliver horticulture related programs is highly valued.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Detail Information

Open Date

06/02/2022

Close Date

07/06/2022

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Open Until Filled

No

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
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Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Resume

Optional Documents