Extension Educator - Agriculture Production Systems (Murray & Pipestone Counties)

Title: Extension Educator - Agriculture Production Systems

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Educator, Job Code 9625ST

Funding: Funded by Murray County at .6 FTE and Pipestone County at .4 FTE

Salary: $60,000 - $68,000; Depending on qualifications

Extension Dept: Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: Extension Offices in Murray County (Slayton) & Pipestone County (Pipestone); Will have office responsibilities in both counties each week

Apply By: January 13, 2025

ABOUT THE COUNTIES

Pipestone County is located on the western border of Minnesota, adjacent to South Dakota, and its county seat is the city of Pipestone. Murray County lies directly east of Pipestone County, and its county seat is Slayton. Together, the counties have a combined population of approximately 17,500 people. In 2022, there were 789 farms in Murray County with a $451,948,000 market value of ag products sold. There were 311 new and beginning farmers. In Pipestone County in 2022, there were 569 farms, with a $397,208,000 market value of ag products sold. There were 174 new and beginning farmers.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The University is looking for candidates with skills and experience in engaging stakeholders in agriculture; developing and strengthening networks; and teaching and facilitating informal educational programs that are relevant to Murray and Pipestone Counties. The major emphasis area of the position is livestock education followed by commodity crop production education. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to new and future programs that support and enhance the production and economic development of agriculture in Murray and Pipestone Counties. The Extension educator will have responsibility for determining local needs involving Extension programming and will provide technical assistance and information in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources. Examples of desired Extension educator focused work include livestock, crops, ag business, and farm safety topics. This position requires onsite work from the two office locations (Slayton and Pipestone) and out in the community, with the schedule determined by county and programming needs.

THIS POSITION WILL:

• Provide research-based resources in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources to residents of Murray and Pipestone Counties.
• Build relationships with agriculture professionals, fostering educational efforts and economic development.
• Provide relevant education and support for agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources.
• Design/conduct educational programs offered within Murray and Pipestone Counties and make them accessible and inviting to diverse participants.
• Provide technical assistance and expertise in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources.
• Communicate effectively and positively with colleagues and stakeholders about the work.

JOB DUTIES:

• Design, develop, deliver/implement, and evaluate local agricultural, horticultural, and natural resource educational programs based on local needs and expectations.
• Develop and maintain effective county, regional, University and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Provide technical assistance and information in the areas of livestock, crops, agriculture business management, horticulture, and natural resources based on local needs and expectations.
• Engage with producers, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders to build rapport and working relationships to benefit educational efforts.
• Utilize numerous delivery methods to teach around agricultural issues that are important to maintaining the viability, profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations in both counties.
• Adapt Extension programs for audiences with a range of knowledge, background, and cultures.
• Work in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), county environmental and land management services, and agricultural and natural resources professional organizations to provide educational programs relevant to the county.
• Ensure that Extension programs, facilities, committees, and employment opportunities are accessible to new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an agriculture related discipline, i.e., livestock production, agronomy, soils, agricultural economics, agriculture education, and/or other closely related field.
• Demonstrated strong English oral and written communication skills.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Skilled in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree; preferably in an agriculture related discipline.
• Experience developing and delivering informal education programs in agriculture.
• Experience using technology for communication, information finding, teaching, and reporting.
• Experience using distance technologies and social media to market and deliver educational programming.
• Ability to engage in web-based communication, education, and training.
• Ability to articulate the public value of educational programming in agriculture.
• Previous experience as an Extension professional or other educationally related position.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to work regularly at dedicated/assigned Extension offices in both Slayton and Pipestone; schedule dependent on county and programming needs.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate 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 and weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 20 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely, as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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/.

Pay Range: $60,000-$68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

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

The University 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

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. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or 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:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Contact information for three professional references and transcripts (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:

Sarah Chur, Program Leader, Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems, bergsj@umn.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application review will commence on January 13, 2025.

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.

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.