University of Missouri Extension Position Description

LOCATION: Headquartered in St. Louis County in East Central Region with additional responsibilities for St. Charles, Lincoln and Montgomery counties.

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.

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.

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 Horticulture. The graduate program should have involved and in-depth study related to production, breeding, post harvest physiology, pest management or nutrition of horticultural crops or management of turf grass or ornamental plants. Successful candidates should have had coursework related to viticulture, turf, vegetable, tree and fruit production; greenhouse management; landscape design; plant pathology, entomology and soils.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying knowledge in subject matter areas related to the commercial viticulture; home & commercial horticulture including but not limited to best management practices, pest control, plant diseases, brush and weed control, soils, irrigation, IPM, pesticide certification, marketing of horticultural crops; and the Master Gardener program 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 horticulture 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, and campus faculty in the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Lincoln University and other faculty within the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University campuses and external resource people.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILTITES

a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to horticulture. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of horticulture.

b. Counsel with regional director, extension program directors, program leaders and other specialists on overall program design and priorities identified in County, Regional and State 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 in-service education offerings and implement programming related to the ISE.

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.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Conduct programs in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden to plan implement and evaluate joint programs.

b. Work in concert with the St. Louis Master Gardeners in program delivery through the volunteer base.

c. Collaborate with other volunteer organizations i.e. Master Wildlifer Program to coordinate volunteer opportunities within the Metro area.

RELATIONSHIPS

a. Keep regional director, program 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.

ACCOUNTABILITY

		Human Resource Development hrdext@missouri.edu Last modified: 09/20/07
Equal opportunity is and shall be provided to all participants in Extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or military organizations associated with the armed forces of the United States of America. To request ADA accommodations, please contact HR at (573) 882-4721.