Extension Agent - Better Living For Texans

Job Title
Extension Agent - Better Living for Texans
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Department
Better Living For Texans - D11
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Victoria, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Job Description Summary
The Extension Agent - Better Living for Texans (BLT), under general supervision, implements, plans, and evaluates educational programs and activities in assigned program areas. Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Program Planning

• Responsible for planning with committees, task forces, groups, and organizations to conduct educational programs and activities. Recruits membership for and works with BLT Advisory Committee.
• Recruits and trains volunteers, establishing meetings, and follow-up on plans and initiatives.
• Adopts comprehensive and in-depth program plans which address goals and objectives of BLT.
• Maintains appropriate communication between county staff, District Extension Administrator or County Extension Administrator, Regional Program Leader - Family and Community Health, BLT Regional Project Specialist, and BLT State Program Director. Participates in regularly scheduled county staff conferences to coordinate plans, activities, and joint work to promote staff teamwork.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other agencies, groups, and organizations to plan educational programs. Works with other local clubs and civic organizations, schools, and churches to identify potential adult and youth participants.
• Develops mass media, social media, and general educational materials and campaigns.

Program Implementation

• Responsible for implementing planned Better Living for Texans (BLT) educational programs aimed at improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, obesity awareness and prevention, food safety, and food resource management with low-income, SNAP-Ed eligible participants.
• Provides leadership for implementing educational programs addressing critical needs with an emphasis on nutrition education with low-income audiences.
• Identifies, recruits and trains adult volunteers to enable them to effectively perform their duties related to the BLT program thus increasing community outreach. Ensures guidelines of the program are met by volunteers in teaching and evaluation.
• Conducts and participates in special activities such as special projects, information days, awareness events, and multi-county collaborative programs.
• Conducts educational programs that work with and supports Extension-sponsored groups such as Extended Family Nutrition Education Program, 4-H, and others. Refers BLT participants to other programs as appropriate.
• Coordinates programs within the Better Living for Texans grant guidelines to enhance programming and increase outreach education to members of the county(ies) served.

Program Evaluation

• Utilizes BLT required evaluation strategies/techniques to determine the progress toward program goals and objectives. Collects appropriate evaluation data on adults and youth as directed by the BLT State Program Director.
• Utilizes evaluation data and program outcomes to interpret program impacts to elected officials, key leaders, and stakeholders.
• Participates as requested in interpretative events to highlight program summaries.
• Participates in formal and informal training opportunities to increase knowledge, skills, and maintain technical competencies.

Reporting and Interpretation

• Maintains appropriate communications with county, district, and administrative staffs to facilitate comprehensive understanding of the BLT program.
• Prepares monthly, annual and special reports and outcome program summaries to demonstrate results of planning, program accomplishments, and changes in behavior resulting from the educational programs.
• Conducts multiple interpretation events for county and state elected officials to report on program accomplishments and outcomes.

Individual Development

• Develops a long-range professional improvement plan with the appropriate District Extension Administrator and appropriate input from Regional Program Leaders.
• Develops annual individual development plan which addresses short term professional improvement needs and career goals.
• Participates in formal and informal training opportunities to increase knowledge and skills and maintain technical competencies.

Office Management

• Maintains a neat office which facilitates effective working conditions and presents a favorable image.
• Keeps informed on Extension policy, research reports, and publications which are applicable to program responsibilities and position description.
• Participates in regularly scheduled county staff conferences to coordinate plans, activities, and joint work to promote staff teamwork and to make the best use of each agent's time.
• Assists in the maintenance of files, mailing lists, membership rolls of Extension-related organizations, and inventories.
• Keeps informed on and complies with the Equal Employment Opportunity Program of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Cooperates with the county coordinator and other staff members in the development and implementation of an EEO Action Plan for the county office unit.
• Participates in recruiting, employing, training, and other related activities for secretarial and paraprofessional personnel the agent supervises or jointly supervises in accord with the policies and procedures of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
• Conducts annual performance review with each support staff member the agent is assigned to supervise or coordinates with other staff members with joint supervision responsibilities for the review.

Other duties as assigned.
The responsibilities of the Extension Agent are performed in a professional manner through coordination and cooperation with other county staff members under the supervision of the assigned administrator.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Education - Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
Preferred Education - Bachelor's degree in nutrition, health sciences, exercise science, health education, family and consumer science, public health, or related field.
Experience - No prior experience required. (Note: Urban designated counties require minimum of three years of related professional level experience.)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Ability to use word processing, spreadsheets, and graphic software.
Other Requirements - Ability to establish effective working relationships. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Other Preferred Special Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting educational programs for diverse audiences in these areas: nutrition; physical activity; obesity and chronic disease awareness and prevention.
• Demonstrated a commitment towards improving health of community.
• Knowledge of nutrition issues and community health for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, cooperate as a team member, and respond positively to policy, administration and supervision.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Computer competency.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have willingness to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities (some nights and weekends).
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborations with program partners.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, supervise, and train volunteers.
• Demonstrated professional experience in Extension, teaching, research or related area.
• Bilingual skills.

EXTERNAL APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Please complete the form found at this link: https://countyprograms.tamu.edu/files/2019/12/AgriLife-Applicant-Supplemental-Information-Form.docx and upload it to this application when uploading other documents. This form must be uploaded during the application process.
A resume, cover letter, and the supplemental information form document are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. Please contact 979-845-2423 or employment@ag.tamu.edu if you are having issues with completing the form or uploading it to the application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.