University of Arizona Hiring for Assistant/Associate Horticulture Agent (Mohave County, AZ) at Kingman, AZ  Full Time

This continuing eligible Assistant/Associate Extension Agent position in Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) is part of a dynamic team of professionals developing and delivering community outreach programs that provide research-based, objective informal education. The person in this position will be required to develop, implement and evaluate effective outcome-based ANR Extension programs in the areas of horticulture with a focus on 1) Commercial fruit/nut production and other commercial crops, and 2) Supervision of the Mohave County Master Gardener Program. The agent will work collaboratively with horticulture producers, other faculty, industry representatives, and other partners in the counties of assignment; acquire both financial and human resources through grants, contracts and gifts to support the development and delivery of these programs; build capacity to sustain and grow programs through constituent empowerment and/or leadership development; and engage in professional development regularly and redirect efforts, as needed.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of national, Arizona, and county data, local resources, and historical information in order to identify community assets, program needs, and teaching opportunities.
• Identifies resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, etc.) to enhance programs.
• Work in cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals to develop and implement an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

Program Implementation

• Conducts creative programming and utilizes new technology that may include problem solving research, to address priority needs of the target audiences.
• Participates in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials and publications in support of state, county, and community initiatives.
• Functions as a resource for other agencies and organizations. Promotes interaction and cooperation among various groups.
• Disseminates educational materials through county wide and/or multi-county events, workshops, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods, use of volunteers, and other methods.
• Provides leadership on community outreach for recruitment, training, and recognition of volunteers and assists them in the conduct of educational programs as appropriate.
• Promotes communication and teamwork with county and state Extension, other faculty, and youth professionals.
• Promotes Cooperative Extension as the outreach arm of the state land-grant university.

Program Results

• Evaluates and documents results and impacts of educational programs.
• Communicates program results to both professional peers and clientele through periodic reports, scholarly works, and various types of publications (e.g., bulletins/fact sheets, popular articles, state publications, scientific articles, social media, video and computer programs.
• Consults with the County Extension Director(s) to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member.

Professionalism

• Maintains professional competence through study, participation in professional activities and the application of knowledge and skills on the job.
• Maintains high ethical and professional standards and is loyal to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
• Promotes public understanding and support for Extension and University programs.
• Performs as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent administrative and program management skills.
• Evidence of ability to develop research projects and manage multiple work projects to assure timely completion.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
• Skill in collaboration and relationship building.

• Master’s Degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in production systems including fruit & nut trees (preferably on Pistachio, Pecans and Almonds), horticulture and home gardening, and other sustainable agricultural practices.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University . Must also be able to provide own transportation and be able to travel statewide and nationally using all modes of transportation, and perform activities associated with conducting programs.
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer management.