Extension Educators- Crops (3 positions available) with University of Minnesota Extension in Each position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office in one of these general regions (1) West Central/Northwestern, (2) Central/Northeastern, and (3) South Central/Southeastern MN.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Design, develop, deliver, implement, and evaluate educational programs based on scholarly/scientific theory and research at the regional and state levels based on short and long-term needs. Needs will be influenced by geography of the position, and are expected to focus around forages, small grains, corn and soybean production, integrated pest management, soil fertility, cover crops, sustainable agriculture, and/or pesticide safety education. 
• Collaborate with Extension educators (regional and local), state Extension specialists, and other appropriate agricultural and natural resource teams at the University of Minnesota in designing and delivering Extension programs.
• Provide leadership and management for educational curriculum and programming around important crop production issues including pesticide safety education.
• Partner with university faculty and research professionals stationed on campus, research and outreach centers, local county offices, and regional offices in conducting outreach and scholarly applied research.
• Use appropriate technology for program design, delivery, evaluation, reporting, communication, trend monitoring, and searching for information.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, university and state partnerships (e.g. commodity groups, conservation organizations, government agencies, industry, etc.) that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programming efforts.
• 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.

Required Education:  Master of Science degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agricultural education, or related discipline.

Required Experience, Skills/Abilities:

• Evidence of experience and education in agronomy, pest management, plant/crop science, cropping systems, weed science, soil science or related discipline.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills with technology-enhanced communication and/or teaching.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships and/or collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders (e.g., program participants, industry groups, legislators).
• Ability to articulate public value of educational programs.
• Demonstrated skills in communicating complex, scientific concepts to end-users.

  Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense. That number will be published in the Extension 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.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Two or more years of experience in extension education or other forms of adult education or communications related to crops production and cropping systems.
• Two or more years’ post-degree experience in an emphasis area related to crops production and cropping systems.
• Evidence of designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Documentation of problem-solving and outreach in crop production systems.
• Has participated in developing needs-based applied research and translated results for adoption of practices by farmer end-users.
• Has worked with small grains, forages, and/or diversified cropping systems with cover and alternative crops.
• Experience or background in integrated pest management in farming systems
• Demonstrated skills in project/program management and working with farmers and/or ag professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Demonstrated skills in working with the media
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

? Cover letter: Include the region(s) you are interested in (1) West Central/NW MN, (2) Central/NE MN, and (3) South Central/SE MN in your cover letter.
? Resume/Vitae: Include education and experience as it relates to the qualifications.
? 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:
o Personalized views and experiences
o Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
o If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
o Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected] or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

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.