Extension Educators- Crops (3 Open Positions)

Title: Extension Educators- Crops (3 positions available)

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Professional & Administrative

Program Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Apply By: August 19, 2024

Three Extension Educator (EE) - Crops positions (non-tenure track) are available in Minnesota. We seek dedicated individuals to join our team at the University of Minnesota who possess expertise and hands-on experience working in field crop production, pest management, and education. If you want to make a difference and have a passion for helping farmers thrive and work within the interface of crop production, environmental stewardship, and agricultural sustainability, this opportunity may be for you.

LOCATION OF POSITIONS. Each position will be housed at a University of Minnesota facility such as an Extension Regional Office or Research and Outreach Center in the primary crop production regions of Minnesota. Priority regions/locations include but are not limited to Northwestern/West Central MN including Moorhead and Morris, Central/Eastern MN including St. Cloud, Willmar and Farmington, and South Central MN including Mankato and Waseca. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered. The positions will concentrate on regional crops extension programming needs in each region and may include focused state-wide responsibilities.

ABOUT THIS POSITION. Minnesota ranks sixth nationally in crop production and encompasses diverse cropping systems. Top commodity crops in the state include corn, soybeans, small grains, forages, and sugar beets. The areas of the state where these positions will be housed offer diverse outdoor recreational, cultural, and social opportunities: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/live.

The Extension Educator (EE) in Crops positions will work to enhance Minnesota’s cropping systems by applying their expertise through Extension educational programming. Three positions are available in different regions of the state. Each EE is responsible for the development, delivery, marketing, evaluation, and leadership of impactful Extension educational programs. Effective use of existing scholarly/scientific research, partnerships, and technology is essential.

These positions will join the University of Minnesota's Extension Crops Team, a well-established group that plays a crucial role in maintaining the competitiveness, profitability, and environmental responsibility of the state's agricultural industry. As part of the team, educators provide comprehensive educational programs on various crop production subjects, such as agronomy, pesticide safety, soil fertility, sustainability, and integrated pest management. Some educators may have additional specific focus on individual crops or specialty topics to complement the knowledge-base of the Crops Team. They also actively contribute to the Institute for Agricultural Professionals (IAP). More information on IAP is available at: https://extension.umn.edu/ag-professionals/institute-ag-professionals

Current expertise needs on the team include small grains, forages, pest management, and/or management for the IAP. These positions will also address other topic areas in crop production. At least one position will include part-time work with the IAP. This program involves managing and coordinating educational efforts which target crop consultants, sales representatives, etc. Small grains are primarily grown in west-central and northwestern Minnesota, including the Red River Valley area. Forages such as alfalfa are predominant in central and southeastern Minnesota. Successful candidates will be supervised by the Crops Program Leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Design, develop, deliver, implement and evaluate educational programs based on scholarly/scientific theory and research at the regional and state levels based on needs.
• Use in-person seminars, webinars, workshops, and other media to educate crop producers and agricultural professionals.
• Engage in a range of extension education and cooperative research activities and programs that support extension programs. Scholarly applied research is not a primary focus of the positions.
• Other roles include pesticide safety education and broad programmatic work to address important regional agronomic issues such as corn, soybean, small grain, forage, or sugarbeet production, general agronomics, pest management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture.
• Collaborate with Extension educators (regional and local), state Extension specialists, and other appropriate agricultural and natural resource teams at the University of Minnesota.
• Opportunity to partner with university faculty and research professionals at University of Minnesota campuses, research centers, and offices in conducting outreach and research.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, and state governmental and private partnerships (e.g. commodity groups, conservation organizations, government agencies, industry, etc.) that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programming efforts.
• Continued professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, self-directed study and/or other means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agricultural education, or related discipline.
• Evidence of experience in agronomy, pest management, plant/crop science, cropping systems, soil science or related discipline.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills along with demonstrated skills in communicating complex, scientific concepts to end-users.
• Demonstrated skills with technology-enhanced communication and/or teaching.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities or to state-wide events and provide in-person programming; in-state overnight travel may occur one to two days per month on average.
• Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to fifty pounds of force.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in extension education, other forms of adult education, or communications related to crop production.
• Two or more years of post-bachelors degree experience in an emphasis area related to crop production.
• Experience working with small grains and/or forages.
• Experience coordinating educational events.
• Evidence of designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Documentation of problem-solving and outreach in crop production systems.
• Experience with influencing needs-based applied research and translating research into adoptable practices by farmers and other end-users.
• Experience or background in integrated pest management in farming systems.
• Demonstrated skills in project/program management and working with farmers and/or agricultural professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Familiarity with working with the media (print, television, and/or radio)

APPOINTMENT/SALARY

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank with opportunities for promotion.

2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator

3. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

4. Estimated salary range for this role is $59,000-79,000, depending on education, background and experience.

Benefits and Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 362092

Please note: this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. The following attachments are required with your online application:

● Cover letter: Please include relevant experience, professional vision, and preferred geographic region(s) in the cover letter.

● Resume/Vitae

● Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

o Personalized views and experiences,

o Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience,

o If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

o Demonstrated learning and growth.

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Anthony Hanson, Extension Educator and Search Chair, hans4022@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

DIVERSITY

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.