This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will work with greenhouse growers and collaborate regionally in developing educational programming and related resources that support climate-smart production practices to reduce risk from climate-related stress on soils. Working with growers in greenhouses will be expected. Focus areas may include vertical farming, hydroponic systems, plant propagation, fertilization, irrigation, growth regulator use, plug and liner production, integrated pest management, or other practices. The successful individual will have opportunities to address vegetables, bedding plants, and new and emerging crops grown in greenhouses. They will be expected to work in teams advancing emerging markets, expanding CEA applications for urban farming, and advancing digital growing technologies through automation, remote sensing, modeling, and data analysis.
This position will work with a diverse range of farm businesses, from large greenhouse ranges to small-scale operations. The successful candidate will be expected to serve current stakeholders and broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; and provide leadership in developing techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interest. The successful applicant will demonstrate leadership skills for serving on state boards, councils, and committees where stakeholders and experts collaborate to address complex systems together.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned master’s degree in horticultural science, plant science, soil science, agricultural engineering, entomology or nematology, or closely related disciplines.
- For the Assistant Extension Educator title, at least two years of experience is required and to be considered for the Associate Extension Educator title at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Educator or the equivalent is required.
- Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- Must possess adequate physical stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience developing peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
- Experience serving in leadership positions, particularly within an agricultural context.
- Experience working with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.
- Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.
- Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.
More information is available at the UConn Jobs site.
Comments (0)