Extension Educator, Agriculture And Agribusiness (Horticulture)

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)
University of Illinois Extension
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed toimprove the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across thenation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminateknowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of expertsand leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science tohigher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnershipsthat extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extensionprovides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer,and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extensionhas operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens ofIllinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programmingaround the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College ofACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign.
The Extension Educator serves as aregular, full time, 12 month academic professional with primary responsibilityfor the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programssupporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. ExtensionEducators support one of the four core Extension program areas and within thatprogram area may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinaryinitiatives: Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmaticobjectives of Extension Educators will be consistent with national andstatewide initiatives considered of significant importance to residents of thestate of Illinois.
Extension Educators will beexpected to deliver research-based educational programs and to work within teamsettings that may consist of other Extension Educators, communityprofessionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. Theestablishment of professional networks as well as the development ofrelationships with key stakeholder groups is vital to the success of ExtensionEducators. Extension Educators will be expected to deliver educational programsnot only within their assigned multi-county unit, but as requested, toclientele within other units.
The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness isexpected to concentrate programmatically in Horticulture. This programmaticconcentration includes the development and delivery of high impact and relevanteducational programs and materials, and is preferred in one or more of followingareas: 1) production and protection of plants in urbanand suburban ornamental landscapes, 2) fruit and vegetable production andprotection, including organic and IPM plant protection systems. 3) nativelandscaping, pollinator habitats, landscape design, or ornamental horticultureand 4)understanding of urban and rural issues and populations. Strongleadership and delivery of programs will be provided to volunteers within theMaster Gardener Program.
One full time position isavailable.
Location: Unit 21 - Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper Counties
(Position will be housed in EffinghamCounty - Effingham, IL)
Additionalpositions may become available in other locations.
This is a security-sensitiveposition. Comprehensive backgroundchecks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, aCANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
Duties and 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 diverse 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

• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assists Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.

Additional Physical Demands
To perform the functions of this position, the employee willbe required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible forsecuring personal transportation. A valid driver's license ispreferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/orweekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather,exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing thefunctions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental andphysical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independentlytraveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting andmoving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequentlyweigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding thefunctions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmentalrequirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for theCollege of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) bycontacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:

• Master's degree related to subject matter emphasis from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors could include, but are not limited to, horticulture, ornamental horticulture, urban agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, 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 beconsidered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.

Experience:

• Knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous work experiences in horticulture.
• Informal and formal teaching experiences.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Evidence of success in working with diverse cultural groups. Strong written and oral communication skills. Understanding of urban issues and populations. Ability to organize, manage, and conduct educational activities for adult audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.

Administrative Relationship
The Extension Educator isadministratively responsible to the County Director.
Programmatic Relationship
The Extension Educator isprogrammatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery ofprograms that mesh with identified national and state priorities.
AppointmentInformation
Immigrationsponsorship is not available for this position. This position is a full-time,benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possibleafter the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience andqualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State UniversitiesRetirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information
Applications must bereceived by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 4, 2024 (extended closing date). Apply for this positionusing the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, andthe names and contact information for three professional references. Resumedates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, ata minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of yourundergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must benoted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
For furtherinformation about this specific position, please contact ChristinaEdgington at chrisedg@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the applicationprocess, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1021312
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu