Extension Educator IV - Soil Health - UMass Extension
UMass Amherst Extension
Application
Details
Posted: 01-May-23
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Extension
Specialty:
Soil Science
Salary Details:
This is a grant-funded, 24-month position that may be extended pending additional funding.
Internal Number: 518166
The Extension Educator IV works across all Extension Agriculture program areas to lead and contribute to soil health efforts. Programs serve stakeholders in industries including fruit, vegetables, field crops, dairy and livestock, greenhouse, turf, landscape, nursery and urban forestry. The Soil Health Educator will work closely with staff members in the University Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab on recommendations to customers and on the development of resources relevant to soil health.
Master’s Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or related agricultural science.
Five years’ relevant experience. Experience can be as part of work towards a graduate degree.
Capacity to travel statewide if needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. in related field.
Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting soil test results and making tailored recommendations regarding fertility, amendments, and soil health practices.
Demonstrated ability to design, deliver and evaluate outreach programs for stakeholder audiences.
Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research on agricultural topics and provide relevant outreach to stakeholder audiences.
Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding to support program activities.
Familiarity with agriculture and/or commercial horticulture in New England.
Demonstrated professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, government agencies, and/or other groups related to the position.
Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities.
Ability to use computers and software for word processing, data management and analysis, publications and electronic communications (e.g. SAS, In-Design, Drupal).
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students.
Ability to organize and prioritize goals, ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals, and ability to identify and implement process improvements.
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
About the UMass Extension Agriculture Program
The UMass Extension Agriculture Program serves farmers, landscape managers, and others who rely on practical applications of scientific knowledge to balance economic and environmental considerations while producing food, fiber, experiences, and amenities that society values. Programs serve stakeholders in industries including include fruit, vegetables, field crops, dairy and livestock, greenhouse, turf, landscape, nursery and urban forestry. Cross-cutting disciplines and services include integrated pest management, nutrient management, pesticide education, pol...linators, plant pathology and disease diagnostics, and soil testing and management. The UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory, a unit of the UMass Extension Agriculture Program, provides testing services to the public and delivers results accompanied by technical interpretations and recommendations. It is the only not-for-profit testing services of its kind in the state and its fee-based services are utilized by farmers, the commercial horticulture industries and home gardeners. The Laboratory has three technical staff, a manager, and a bookkeeper/administrative assistant. It typically conducts 15,000-20,000 analyses annually.
