Associate in Extension, Horticulture (Yuma, AZ)

Associate in Extension, Horticulture (Yuma, AZ) Posting Number req26406 Department Yuma County Office Department Website Link https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices/yuma-county Location Yuma Address 2200 W. 28th St. Suite 102, Yuma, AZ 85364 USA Position Highlights Yuma County Office of Cooperative Extension of the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role Extension Professional III (Associate in Extension, Horticulture). The purpose of the Horticulture program is to provide education and support on how to select, grow and care for horticultural and landscape plants in the desert southwest. This program also highlights and provides information and education on the various vegetable crops grown in the area. The program utilizes a greenhouse, two demonstration gardens, workshops, classes, tours, clinics, and a Master Gardener course to provide information and education. The program also helps people identify and address issues they encounter while growing and caring for plants. This position will assist with the Master Gardener course that is offered each year which provides certification for individuals wishing to become certified volunteers. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of

A/ASU/NAU

tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here . Duties & Responsibilities Strategic program design and leadership: Design and lead comprehensive extension programs that respond to complex community, agricultural, or socioeconomic issues across Arizona regions in assigned focus areas. Set program goals, strategies, and evaluation plans in collaboration with faculty, specialists, and stakeholder groups. Oversee coordination of multiple projects or initiatives within the broader program portfolio.

Advanced outreach and research integration:

Lead strategies for educational outreach and specialized extension workshops that provide evidence-based solutions to complex community challenges. Collaborate with university researchers and faculty to translate advanced research findings and new technologies into practical tools and programs for Arizona communities. Develop specialized instructional materials and curricula tailored to various audiences and delivery formats (for example, field days, producer meetings, family workshops).

Needs assessment and impact evaluation:

Design and conduct independent, systematic needs assessments, including regional data analyses, to determine strategic extension program priorities and identify community assets. Develop or refine methods for measuring program effectiveness and long-term impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data. Use findings to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and regional extension service delivery.

Scholarly communication and reporting:

Author and publish technical reports, extension publications, and scholarly articles that communicate research-based program results to professional peers, community stakeholders, and university leadership. Present program outcomes at conferences, advisory meetings, and university forums in clear, accessible language. Provide data-informed briefings to administrators and partners on program performance and regional trends.

Partnerships and external funding:

Cultivate and advise strategic partnerships with campus units, agencies, industry groups, schools, and local governments to advance extension unit goals in assigned focus areas. Lead development of proposals to secure competitive external funding and grants to sustain and expand strategic extension initiatives. Steward funded projects by monitoring deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Extensive knowledge of extension theory and practice, program evaluation, and community engagement strategies. Skill in leading complex, cross-unit projects and integrating research into practical programming. Strong analytical skills for designing assessments, interpreting data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including scholarly writing and presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships and to lead project teams or small groups of staff and volunteers. Ability to work independently, manage multiple large projects, and make informed decisions within broad guidelines. This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience. Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must have the ability to obtain a driver's license, provide their own transportation, be able to travel statewide using all modes of transportation and have ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy . Preferred Qualifications FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Agriculture and Extension Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay $53,039 - $66,299 Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 7 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator . Career Stream and Level PC3 Job Family Extension Job Function Agriculture & Extension Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date 7/20/2026 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Russ Engel russengel@arizona.edu Open Date 7/1/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu. © 2024 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona Equal Opportunity Employer Vets/Disabled