Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Title: Extension Educator- Crops, West Central & Northwest MN Region

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Professional & Administrative

Program Area: Extension Center for Agricultural, Food and Natural Resource Sciences (AFNR)

Office Location: Extension Regional Office; choice of Moorhead or Morris

Apply By: May 1, 2023

LOCATION OF POSITION

This full-time Extension Educator (EE) – Crops position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office in Moorhead or Morris, MN. This position will concentrate on regional crops extension programming needs in West Central and Northwest Minnesota and includes more-limited state-wide responsibilities.

BACKGROUND

Minnesota ranks sixth nationally in crop production and encompasses diverse cropping systems. Top commodity crops in the state include corn, soybeans, small grains, forages, and sugar beets. Challenges facing farmers and agricultural professionals include nutrient and pest management issues in crop production, pesticide resistance, crop selection, implementing best agronomic practices in grain and forage production, long-term sustainability, soil health, cover crops, water quality, and new products and technologies. Applied research and education is being conducted to address these issues and more is needed. This position will integrate into the University of Minnesota’s Extension Crops Team. The Crops Team contributes to keeping the state’s agricultural industry competitive, profitable, and environmentally responsible through the development and delivery of comprehensive educational programs that include websites, blogs, videos, webinars, other technology-enhanced products, and local, regional, and statewide conferences and workshops utilizing research-based information.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Extension Educator in Crops position will work to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability in Minnesota’s cropping systems by applying their expertise and effort to Extension education programs and applied research. They will collaborate with university faculty, educators, and other professionals in research-based programs for crop producers and agricultural professionals. The EE will use multiple delivery systems to educate producers and agricultural professionals via in-person seminars, webinars, workshops, and other media. This includes potential partnerships with industry groups, non-profit organizations, and state agencies with the similar goals of educating producers while increasing environmental sustainability. The EE is responsible for development, delivery, marketing, evaluation, coordination of logistics, and leadership of key programs. Vigilant use of scholarly/scientific research, effective partnerships, and technology is essential, while also continuing their professional development. The successful candidate will be an active member of a well-established Extension Crops Team and will be accountable to the Crops Program Leader for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions.

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 needs.
• Collaborate with Extension educators on the Crops Team, state Extension specialists and with other appropriate agricultural and natural resource teams at the University of Minnesota in designing and delivering 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, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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:

• 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 ability to develop and maintain 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 media relations.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Personal cell phone that can be used for work purposes; reimbursement is not provided.
• 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.
• Must provide 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.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years’ post-degree professional experience in an emphasis area related to crops production and cropping systems.
• 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.
• Experience in project/program management.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

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.
5. Estimated salary range for this role is $59,000-79,000, depending on education, background 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 https://extension.umn.edu/.

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 354119

Please note: this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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:
• 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.

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:

Lizabeth Stahl, Extension Educator, Crops and Search Chair, stah0012@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.

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

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.