University
of Missouri Extension
Agricultural Business
Specialist
Position
Description
LOCATION: Headquartered in Lafayette County-Higginsville, MO in West Central Region with additional responsibilities for Cass, Henry and Johnson counties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned in the region as necessary.
COUNTY/REGIONAL PROFILE: Information may be found at the following web address: http://www.oseda.missouri.edu/countypage/
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 agricultural marketing, agricultural business, agricultural economics, business administration or business management. Successful candidates should have graduate level courses in agribusiness management, microeconomics, marketing, agricultural finance, agricultural law and graduate or undergraduate accounting. Production agriculture experience and/or college level coursework related to livestock, crop and forage production, entomology and horticulture is desirable.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying knowledge in subject matter areas related to the identification of regional, national and international markets for agriculture products produced or manufactured in the region; economic feasibility analysis; marketing strategies through direct, indirect and Internet markets; financial management and financial risk assessment; agribusiness operating arrangements (including producer owned cooperatives); personnel management; and legal issues is desired.
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.
Working collaboratively with a team of extension professionals and volunteers, the specialist will be responsible for giving programmatic leadership to the agricultural business program. This includes program planning, implementation, evaluation, as well as creating linkages for both the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University campuses and external resource people.
a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to agricultural business. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of agricultural business.
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 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.
a. Serve as secretary of the Lafayette County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
b. Serve as Lafayette County agriculturalist to answer or refer questions related to general agriculture and horticulture.
c. After a period of orientation, the successful candidate may serve as a county program director, carrying out programming, resource management, and extension council relations’ duties.
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.
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Human
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