Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Working Title:               Extension Educator- Alternative Livestock Systems (Small-scale)

Appointment:                100% Time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623)

Office Location:           Choice of any Extension Regional Office; To be determined at hire

Extension Area:           Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Reports To:                  Livestock Program Leader within ANR

Application Deadline:  August 8, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Minnesota has a large and diverse animal agriculture base, with cash receipts of livestock production totaling about a third of the state’s agricultural sales. Within the livestock industry there is a growing interest in alternative livestock systems including pasture-based swine production; grass-fed beef and rotational grazing for dairy systems; pasture and organic small-flock poultry production; and multi-species, small farm production of milk and meat from small ruminants. This position will focus on a systems approach to understanding and integrating the components of diverse livestock production systems from birth through harvest. The individual in the position will be responsible for developing educational programs surrounding silvopastoral systems, grazing, climate resilience, profitable economics, and social and ecological principles surrounding smaller-scale production systems throughout diverse communities in Minnesota.

The individual in this position should be self-motivated, enjoy working in a team environment, and be effective in communicating with livestock producers as well as university colleagues and industry professionals. The individual will develop appropriate research based educational programs, be actively involved in, and provide leadership to alternative livestock programming, including field days, workshops, conferences, social media platforms, and online resources. The successful candidate must build strong collaborative connections with producers; University of Minnesota faculty and staff; local, state, and federal agencies; allied industry professionals; new and immigrant farmers; and other diverse audiences. This person should also have knowledge of and/or experience in alternative livestock systems and the ability to communicate to diverse audiences. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs to address needs which are appropriate to alternative livestock systems audiences state-wide.
• Provide information and education using a variety of technologies and techniques to optimize programming effectiveness consistent with the intended audience’s learning styles.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, state, and national partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Assist with planning and conducting applied research and other scholarly activities to meet the needs of alternative livestock owners and managers.
• Identify and help secure external and internal funding that supports collaborative research and Extension programming with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Work with and develop programs for diverse audiences historically underserved by Extension.
• Report on programmatic impacts and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders.
• Make progress toward professional advancement by participating in systems of annual performance review, self-evaluation, professional plan of work, and promotion.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in animal science, agronomy, education, ecology, or a closely related field.
• One year of professional experience in a field related to alternative livestock production and management; designing, delivering, and evaluating alternative livestock-related educational programs; and using technology in an educational programming setting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years professional experience in a field related to alternative livestock production and management.
• Experience with multiple livestock species.
• Demonstrated skills in media relations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data.
• Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining effective professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, and government agencies.
• Experience working with diverse and underserved audiences. 

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and access to 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 when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Travel (in-state and national) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

SALARY/BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. This is a full-time, annually renewable, Extension Educator position with a classification of Assistant Extension Professor (job code 9623). 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.
5. Estimated starting salary range is $58,000 to $68,000 annually. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

ABOUT EXTENSION

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. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 356585

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 employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Katie Lee, Extension Educator- Apiculture, and search chair, katielee@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@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.

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.