PAY GRADE: 30E
CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
The W. Charles, Sr. and Eleanor Clement Paradee Center is the home for Kent County Delaware Cooperative Extension. In addition to county specific programs, Kent County Extension is home to some state-wide programs such as 4-H's Operation Military Kids, the state renewable resources program, and the state livestock program. Cooperative Extension is an informal, educational, nationwide organization that combines the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local governments to extend knowledge and change lives. For a century, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has made a difference in the First State by providing quality educational programming to clientele based on sound research, all aimed at meeting the need of our constituents. UD Extension program areas include food safety; nutrition and wellness; environmental stewardship in a changing climate; sustainable production systems for agricultural and urban landscapes; science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; economic development; and volunteer/leadership development.
The Horticulture and Natural Resources Agent will serve as a recognized local resource in nursery, landscape, and renewable natural resource areas. Working closely with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension's Horticulture team, this candidate will identify and address important horticulture and renewable resource issues for homeowners, the commercial horticulture industry, and forestland owners and managers.
Horticultural issues and projects the Agent can expect to work on include landscape management, greenhouse and nursery production, integrated pest management, and business development. This includes site visits, development and delivery of ornamental short courses focused in sustainable landscaping, participation in annual horticulture industry expos and conferences, volunteer training, and working together with the soil-testing laboratory and plant diagnostic clinic to provide technical assistance and services to industry clientele.
The Agent will also support efforts under the Federal Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) grant. Under this program, the Agent can expect to work on ecosystem services, wildlife habitat, and invasive species. These outreach efforts will be directed at private forest landowners and to the people who use those lands to lead to informed management and use decisions. The Agent will also inform the public and youth about forest production, sustainable practices, and the value of forests to society.
Finally, the new Agent will also serve as the Coordinator of the developing Delaware Master Naturalist Program. The Agent will help develop the new program and initiate its launch. In the coordinator capacity, the Agent will work with statewide partners and programs to match training and volunteer opportunities.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Identify critical issues of concern related to the areas identified above and plan, develop, and implement educational programs based on University research to help address and resolve those issues.
- Employ a variety of educational delivery methods (written publications, in-person and online workshops, demonstrations, on-site visits and tours, etc.) to help clientele understand and adopt new practices, procedures and skills based on the latest research.
- Maintain and develop collaborative partnerships with public and private agencies, organizations, and community leaders as well as other university researchers and extension educators in order to provide this programming and achieve mutual goals and the needs of the community.
- Represent the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension on local, state, and regional groups.
- Follow UD Cooperative Extension Civil Rights Guidelines to insure that equal access is provided to all programs and have the ability to communicate to individuals of diverse backgrounds.
- Evaluate programs so that impacts may be reported and promoted to clientele, stakeholders, and funders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree plus four years' experience or a Master's degree plus two years' experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience (in forestry, horticulture, or other natural resources field)
- Knowledge of Extension and youth and/or adult education methods;
- Excellent organizational, management, and human relations skills;
- Excellent written communication and public speaking skills;
- The ability to effectively motivate and teach on an individual/group basis with a variety of audiences and educational levels;
- The ability to work with and lead other professionals in programming.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
To apply please click here!
Show Printable Job