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Extension Educator- Crops, West Central/NW MN Region with University of Minnesota in West Central/Northwestern MN

Type of position Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A
Employer University of Minnesota
Description of Employer 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/.
Location West Central/Northwestern MN
Description of Location This full-time Extension Educator (EE)- Crops position will be housed in West Central/Northwestern MN at an Extension Regional Office to be determined at time of hire. Location options are Moorhead, Morris or Crookston Regional Offices. This position will concentrate on regional extension programming needs in West Central/Northwest Minnesota. The position will also include state-wide responsibilities.
Salary commensurate with education and experience
Benefits 1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
Closing date of competition October 23, 2022
Date position available Negotiable
Description of duties

The EE- Crops (cropping systems/crop production) position will promote productivity, sustainability, and profitability in cropping systems by applying one’s expertise and ongoing education and research to Extension programs and priorities. They will collaborate with university faculty and other professionals in applied research and outreach of research results to crop producers and agricultural professionals. The EE will use multiple delivery systems to educate producers and agricultural professionals via seminars, webinars, and workshops, and other media. This includes potential partnerships with industry groups, organizations, and state agencies with similar goals of educating producers while increasing environmental sustainability. The EE is responsible for program development and delivery, leadership of key programs, use of scholarly/scientific research, effective partnerships, and use of technology and continuing professional development. The successful candidate will be an active member of a well-established Extension Crops Team.  This position is accountable to the Program Leader-Crops for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Conduct needs assessment, and design, develop, deliver, implement and evaluate educational programs based on scholarly/scientific theory and research as appropriate to topic and audience at the regional and state levels.
  • Collaborate with Extension educators on the Crops Team and with other agricultural and natural resource teams at the University of Minnesota in designing and delivering programs.
  • Provide leadership and management for educational curriculum and programming in the context of important crop production issues
  • Partner with university faculty stationed on campus, research and outreach centers, local county offices, and regional offices and with other research professionals in conducting scholarly research and outreach.
  • Use appropriate technology for program design, delivery, reporting, communication, trend monitoring, and locating information.
  • Develop and maintain effective local, regional, university and state partnerships (e.g. commodity groups, conservation organizations, government agencies, etc.) that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
  • Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.
Qualifications sought

Required Education: 

  • Master of Science degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or related discipline.

Required Experience:

  • Experience and/or educational specialization must be related to one or more of the following topics: agronomy, plant/crop science, and/or soil science. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Skills to enhance learning and information delivery via technology
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships/collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders (e.g., legislators, program participants and industry groups)
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Ability to articulate public value of educational programs
  • Skills in media relations.

Additional Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
  • Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes and published in the Extension public staff directory.
  • Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
  • Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
  • Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University’s testing requirement.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
  • This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

 

Preferred Experience: 

  • Two or more years’ post-degree professional experience in an emphasis area related to the position
  • Experience designing, delivering and evaluating educational programs
  • Experience with problem-solving and outreach in crop production systems
  • Experience in applied research. 
  • Experience with small grains

Preferred knowledge:

  • Project/program management.  
Contact for additional information Lizabeth Stahl, Extension Educator, Crops and Search Chair, [email protected]
Application procedure  
Submit what 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/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

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (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 [email protected] or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

Submit to Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 351982
Additional Information Diversity

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.

Employment Requirements

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax