Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms) University of Illinois Extension

WHO WE ARE

As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university's statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit extension.illinois/global/who-we-are.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES

We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

JOB PURPOSE

The Extension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree related to subject matter emphasis is required from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors could include, but are not limited to, agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, or weed science. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. Informal and/or formal teaching experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work experience with agriculture. Work experiences with agriculture research and/or demonstration. Ability to organize, manage, and conduct educational activities for adult audiences. Knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development. Experience with University of Illinois Extension. Valid driver's license.

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION

One full-time position is available.

Location:

Unit 26 - Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson Counties (Position will be housed in Perry or Jackson County) Additional positions may become available in other locations. This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

Focus on Local Food Systems within community-based production settings. Collaborate with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators. Build networks among groups of those focused on local food production for emerging audiences. Provide research-based information and educational programs for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders. Develop and deliver programs in: Fruit and vegetable production Food marketing initiatives Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) School and community gardens Integrated pest management Building networks and increasing collaboration with agriculture stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Ability to build and maintain networks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases. Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups. Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives. Deliver high impact programs to all audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate. Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area. Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise. Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices. Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.). Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.) Organizational Leadership and Development Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise. Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact. Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill relevant grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other items relevant to the operation. Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators and Extension Council Members. Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program. Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director. Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate. Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director. Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned. Scholarship Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives. Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline. Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area. Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs in order to improve quality. Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers. Other Information Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements. Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required. Physical Demands/Working Conditions When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Work Schedule, Travel, Or Other Job Expectations To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. Administrative Relationship The Extension Educator is administratively responsible to the County Director. Programmatic Relationship The Extension Educator is programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.