AGRICULTURE EDUCATOR - Douglas County: UW Extension

AGRICULTURE EDUCATOR, SPECIALIZING IN HORTICULTURE (50%) -DOUGLAS COUNTY

Type of Appointment:

With a Master’s degree: This is a probationary tenure-track faculty appointment within the University of Wisconsin-Extension. During the probationary period, faculty members may receive renewed probationary appointments. At the end of the period, faculty members may be promoted to the ranks of tenured faculty. Standards of excellence and scholarship are expected to be met throughout a faculty member’s career.

With a Bachelor’s degree: This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s division of Cooperative Extension. Fixed-term academic staff appointments are made on an annual basis, with renewal possible. Standards of excellence and scholarship are expected to be met throughout an academic staff member’s career. An individual hired with a Bachelor’s degree as an Extension Associate must complete an approved Master's degree within five years of the initial appointment. The academic staff member, in consultation with the Associate Program Director and District Director, will develop a graduate education plan within the first year of employment subject to approval by the academic department. The academic staff member must make ongoing progress in the approved Master's program to qualify for annual appointment renewals. Upon completion of the approved Master's degree program, the individual is eligible to apply for admittance into the academic department. Upon admittance, the individual’s appointment will convert to probationary faculty as described by the faculty section of the original position description.

Position Purpose:

As an academic staff and/or faculty member of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, employed with Douglas County, the Agriculture Educator is a leader in accessing and applying research findings from consumer and commercial horticulture, agronomy/plant sciences, dairy and animal sciences, agricultural economics, and natural resources to meet identified educational needs and interests of county individuals, families, businesses, organizations and communities. The Educator works to integrate concerns and issues identified at the county, state, and national levels relative to agricultural profitability and environmental quality and to build the capacity of adults, youth, families, organizations and communities

From past University of Wisconsin – Extension work and experiences and general knowledge about Douglas County agriculture, horticulture and natural resources it is anticipated that the major focus of this position will be in areas of consumer horticulture; commercial horticulture; general agriculture including dairy, animal and crop production, economics and marketing; farm and agricultural business management; agricultural economic development; and natural resources. The Agriculture Educator is expected to provide overall coordination, training and support to the Master Gardeners Association.

Primary Duties/Essential Job Functions:

· Provide educational leadership by planning, implementing and evaluating culturally competent educational programs directed at issues relating to the purpose of the position

· Regularly teach and deliver Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANRE) community-based educational programs through a wide variety of teaching methods at sites throughout the geographic area served

· Use appropriate means to critically review and integrate related research into community-based educational programs

· Regularly prepare educational materials, program evaluations and reports using appropriate technology

· Plan and implement appropriate impact evaluations and reports to improve and document program effectiveness

· Write, publish and share articles, curricula and program designs that contribute to program understanding and support the scholarly practices of relevant professions and academic disciplines

· Communicate Extension’s value by developing effective relationships and providing relevant program outcome information to public officials, legislators, the general public and other interested parties

· Identify, recruit and develop the volunteer leadership necessary to carry out the position’s program of work

· Provide professional guidance and counsel to other program-related groups and organizations

· Build and strengthen community coalitions and partnerships while collaborating with a diverse network of community-based agencies, groups and individuals to address local issues through educational programming

· Make all reasonable effort to reach a diverse audience, to ensure access to programs and facilities, and to not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, political affiliation, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record.

Other Position Expectations and Responsibilities:

· Develop and use an appropriate system for reporting and evaluating programs to the Douglas County Extension Education and Recycling Committee and Board of Supervisors, the University of Wisconsin-Extension and to clients, colleagues and other Extension collaborators as needed

· Develop plans of work based on ongoing assessment of community needs

· Develop and follow a personal plan for professional development consistent with personal and organizational goals

· Build and maintain trust-based relationships in support of cooperative and respectful work environments

· Be responsive to evolving position and organizational needs; perform additional duties, as needed

Working Conditions:

· Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions

· Assume weekly travel throughout the county and occasional travel within the district and state

· Work evenings on a regular basis and occasionally on weekends, as needed to meet local needs

Key Relationships:

This position is accountable to the Northern District Director (hiring authority), State Program Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANRE), Douglas County Department Head, and the Douglas County Extension Education and Recycling Committee

Academic Relationships:

This is a faculty position in the UW-Extension Academic Department of Agriculture/Agribusiness and, subject to faculty regulations, is appointed to the University of Wisconsin System rank and tenure track. A tenured appointment must be obtained by the end of the sixth year of full-time employment (or twelfth year of 50% employment) to retain the position, in accordance with UW-Extension faculty policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

To be considered eligible for the Douglas County Agriculture Educator, Specializing in Horticulture as a faculty member, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

· Master’s or other graduate degree, and at least one degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as horticulture, plant sciences, agronomy or agricultural education

· Content knowledge in a related professional field such as horticulture, plant sciences, agronomy or agricultural education

· Demonstrated skill in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs

· Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

To be considered eligible for the Douglas County Agriculture Educator, Specializing in Horticulture as an academic staff member, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field, with coursework in horticulture, plant sciences, agronomy or agricultural education; individuals hired with a Bachelor’s degree must complete an approved Master’s degree within five years of the initial appointment to continue employment in the position

· A minimum of three years of professionally related experience, especially in agriculture or horticulture related outreach education

· Demonstrated skill in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs

· Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities desired:

· Demonstrated success planning, implementing and evaluating learning experiences for youth and/or adults in community-based, non-formal educational settings that reach, and are accessible to, a wide range of audiences

· Successful experience in agriculture, horticulture and/or natural resources outreach or education

· Rural experience with an understanding of farm practices and related industries

· Strong group and educational facilitation skills

· Knowledge of adult learning principles

· Demonstrated ability to critically review and utilize research findings

· Experience developing partnerships with local governments and community-based organizations

· Skillful in building community-based community coalitions for the purpose of taking positive action

· Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks

· Demonstrated success in managing volunteers

· Volunteer or paid experience working with people from culturally diverse groups

· Ability to communicate ideas effectively orally, in writing and through educational technology

· Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting; ability to effectively manage conflicts

· Ability to use outcome data for program improvement and accountability

· Ability to promote Cooperative Extension and its programs through mass media and public relations skills

· Ability to write grants and establish partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds in support of Extension’s mission; experience in budget development and management

· Skillful in the use of educational software and current instructional technologies

· Demonstrated understanding of Extension’s mission; knowledge of land grant colleges and universities

Organizational Competencies:

Individuals who demonstrate increasing capacity in the following organizational competencies, as indicated by the examples listed below, are likely to experience higher levels of success within their Cooperative Extension positions:

· Leadership

Inspires respect and trust; works to clarify expectations and accepts feedback; shows personal responsibility for finding solutions; follows through on commitments; adapts to change or unexpected events in the work environment; manages competing demands for time while maintaining life-work balance; practices strategic, shared and ethical decision-making; understands how funding decisions are made; works to align one’s work with Cooperative Extension’s mission, vision and values; coaches others; is willing and motivated to learn

· Relationship-building

Gives appropriate recognition to others; approaches others in a tactful and diplomatic manner; works to understand group and team dynamics; uses awareness of one’s emotions and those of others to adapt behavior and to manage interactions successfully; reacts well under pressure; analyzes conflict situations and chooses appropriate Extension roles; works in ways that support mutually beneficial partnerships; maintains confidentiality; is responsive

· Inclusion

Demonstrates an active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity- in people, through curriculum, and within communities; recognizes, understands and appreciates the culturally different ways in which others express themselves; treats others with dignity, respect and consideration; works to create work environments that are experienced as safe by all; is curious about and open to others’ ideas

· Communication

Listens and seeks clarification; speaks clearly; uses public relations skills to strengthen others’ understanding of Extension’s value; writes clearly and informatively; varies writing and speaking style to fit the purpose of the communication; adapts communications to fit cultural contexts and circumstances; demonstrates effective communication technology skills; demonstrates effective presentation skills

Position Description Clarification:

This position description represents a general outline of job duties, expectations, responsibilities and qualifications. It is not intended to be comprehensive in nature. In addition, this position is likely to evolve over time and therefore this position description may not fully reflect the precise nature of the position at a future point in time.

Position Benefits:

Excellent State of Wisconsin benefits, including retirement, health insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other insurances.

Equal Opportunity:

As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, arrest record or non-program related conviction record; or identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request. Please call 711 if you are hearing or sight impaired and need assistance. Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to: UWEX Workforce Equity and Diversity; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI 53706.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:

To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by Tuesday, December 15, 2009 and include all of the following:

• Cover letter (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the minimum qualifications of this position. Please prepare a paragraph for each of the minimum qualifications and include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response. Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills.
• Professional resume, including related education, professional work history and volunteer experience.
• Contact information for three (3) professional work references, including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor. For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person’s title, e-mail address and telephone number.
• Final college transcripts for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies are acceptable at this point in the process. Official transcripts are required upon hire.
• Applicant Survey Form Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered. Applications will continue to be accepted until the screening process is complete.Submit application materials to Cooperative Extension Human Resources at: a) ces.jobs@uwex.edu (preferred method); OR b) 432 N. Lake Street, Room 249; Madison, WI 53706 Optional Confidentiality Form Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identities remain confidential. The identities of all finalists must be released upon request. Please note that a criminal records review will be conducted prior to employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position.