University
of Missouri Extension
Plant Sciences
Specialist
Position
Description
LOCATION: Headquartered in Ste. Genevieve County in East Central Region with additional responsibilities for Jefferson, St. Francois and Washington counties. Horticultural programming responsibilities for all counties listed above and agronomic programming responsibility in Ste. Genevieve County.
COUNTY/REGIONAL PROFILE: Information may be found at the following web address: http://www.oseda.missouri.edu/countypage/county_seir.shtml and http://www.oseda.missouri.edu/countypage/ext_region_seir.shtml
CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Each extension specialist must possess (1) personal strengths (2) capabilities as an educator, (3) capabilities in information technology, and (4) expertise in their academic specialty. For more information see http://extension.missouri.edu/pdo/corecompetencies.shtml.
At a minimum the specialist must:
a. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and expertise in the area(s) of specialization and the ability to apply research to programming.
b. Demonstrate expertise in program design, development, implementation and evaluation.
c. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the teaching/learning process, including the use of sound educational practices, principles of learning and learning styles, and large and small group facilitation.
d. Understand and demonstrate expertise in community-based learning concepts.
e. Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in programming to meet the needs of different racial/ethnic, socio-economic and other groups underserved by the organization.
f. Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
g. Demonstrate effectiveness in the use and application of information technology, including knowledge and skills in Windows-based computer applications, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, e-mail, and the Internet. An understanding of the application of distance learning is desirable.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: This position requires an earned master’s degree in plant sciences, agronomy, horticulture and/or soil science. The graduate program should involve course work related to plant production, pest management (i.e. plant pathology, entomology, weed science) and soils. Production agriculture experience and/or college level coursework related to livestock production, agricultural engineering, farm management and accounting is desirable.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying knowledge in subject matter areas related to horticulture and field crops, and forage production including but not limited to best management practices, pest management (i.e. insect, weeds and disease), soil management, IPM, pesticide certification, cover crops, and water quality is desired.
Experience working with volunteers and volunteer management is preferred.
a. Ability to work with colleagues in a multidisciplinary, issue-based approach to program design and delivery to impact change in one or more of the following priority areas: (1) enhancing economic viability, (2) building strong individuals, families and communities, and (3) creating and sustaining a healthy environment.
b. Ability to travel and to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
c. Ability to manage time and resources, and to work with minimum supervision in various settings.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Working collaboratively with a team of extension professionals and volunteers, the specialist will be responsible for giving programmatic leadership to the plant science program. This includes program planning, implementation, evaluation, as well as creating linkages with the program director in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, campus faculty in the Plant Science Unit, other faculty within the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University campuses and external resource people.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to plant sciences. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of plant science.
b. Counsel with regional director, extension program directors, program leaders and other specialists on overall program design and priorities identified in County Program Plans.
c. Market programs to all types of audiences and promote the total mission of University of Missouri Extension using mass media, information technology and other forums reaching a variety of groups and individuals.
d. Create an awareness of University of Missouri Extension programs among civic organizations, public agencies and key leaders.
e. Assess personal assets and needs to plan and participate in appropriate professional development, regional and program staff conferences and professional meetings.
f. Attend appropriate inservice education (ISEs) , implement and report resulting programming through appropriate reporting systems.
g. Participate in interdisciplinary program planning and program development teams, committees and task forces.
h. Prepare and submit timely, clear and concise reports that indicate program progress and impact including knowledge, skills and behavior change of learners, and maintain records to support these reports.
i. Pursue and develop sources of funding both internally and externally and manage financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.
j. Assume both programmatic and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the regional director.
k. Annually provide an updated job description and performance expectations, related to county and state program plans. Develop an individual development plan annually.
l. Conduct activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans.
a. Serve as member and secretary of the Soil and Water Conservation District Board in Ste. Genevieve County.
b. Serve as agriculture generalist for Ste. Genevieve County and refer questions as needed to other specialists.
a. Keep regional director, extension councils, campus and off-campus faculty and key clientele groups involved with and informed of county plan of work priorities, program needs, design and accomplishments.
b. Develop coalitions and foster teamwork internally among colleagues and externally among individuals/organizations.
c. Develop and maintain positive working relationships and communication with University of Missouri/Lincoln University campus and off campus faculty who are responsible for providing program development support.
d. Establish cooperative working relationships with regional extension colleagues in order to effectively plan and implement interdisciplinary programs.
e. Assist in inter-agency networking and collaborative efforts to address local issues and concerns.
f. Develop essential linkages with community organizations and local governments in evaluating county needs and designing and implementing programs.
g. Establish and maintain working relationships with individuals, groups and organizations that can benefit from and contribute to the program.
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Human
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