UW-Madison's Division of Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts. The Agriculture Institute is one of six Institutes in the Division.

The Agriculture Institute's Crops and Soils Program works hand-in-hand with row crop, forage, fruit and vegetable producers to implement best practices for every aspect of the growing phase. The Crops and Soils program provides timely resources and information to help crop producers and their agricultural consultants manage crops efficiently and profitably.

The Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist position is an exciting new position designed to extend research findings related to practices that improve the sustainability of Wisconsin cropping systems, such as cover crops and reduced tillage, via outreach and educational programming to producers and agribusiness professionals across Wisconsin.

Specific roles of the position will include:
- Collaborate with Extension colleagues, industry, and other stakeholders to identify needs and develop and maintain robust, high-quality outreach education programs that provide solutions to overcoming the barriers to adopting conservation-based cropping systems by Wisconsin farmers
- Develop and maintain expertise related to conservation-based cropping systems
- Build trust-based relationships with stakeholders
- Work with the Program Manager to facilitate programmatic efforts, maintain strategic direction, build partnerships, and seek a diverse funding portfolio to support the work

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization. (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/) As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities:

Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.

• 20% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
• 5% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
• 20% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
• 20% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
• 20% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
• 5% May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
• 10% Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers, Partners, and relevant stakeholders

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree in a field related to this position's focus

Preferred
Master's Degree in a field related to this position's focus
PhD in a field related to this position's focus

Qualifications:

Required:
- Three or more years relevant professional experience;
- Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, through a variety of technologies;
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.

Preferred:
- Education or experience with conservation cropping systems
- Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting
- Demonstrated experience with building diverse, collaborative partnerships
- Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific materials in written and verbal forms for a variety of lay and other audiences
- Demonstrated ability to write grants and establish partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds in support of the Institutional mission.

Additional Information:

Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI but the position location is flexible and will be determined based on programmatic needs and successful candidate's preferences and availability of suitable space.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

How to Apply: 

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Please keep in mind, applicants need to articulate all required qualifications in their cover letter and/or resume.  https://jobs.wisc.edu/home (277427-AS)