UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA – COCHISE COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Area Assistant/Associate Agent Commercial Horticulture

Location:  Willcox, AZ

Closing date:  Open until filled

Posting number:  req17693

Department:  Cochise County Extension

Address:  450 S. Haskell Avenue, Suite A, Willcox, AZ  85643

Position Highlights

This continuing eligible Assistant/Associate Extension Agent position will work with a dynamic team of professionals developing and delivering community outreach programs that provide research-based objective informal agriculture education in Cochise County, Arizona (80%), Graham County, Arizona (10%), and Small-Scale Horticulture/Value Added & Specialty Crop Production in Cochise County, Arizona (10%).  The position is based in Willcox, Arizona.  The primary focus of the position will be to develop and deliver education and assistance in the areas of commercial fruit, nut, vine, and vegetable production, small-scale horticulture, and specialty crop production.  In addition to outreach, the agent will develop and conduct applied research, produce scholarly Extension publications, present at conferences and meetings, and pursue grant funding to support research and program work.  This position is administratively and programmatically responsible to the County Extension Director and the Director of Arizona Extension and is located at Cochise County Cooperative Extension.

Duties & Highlights

Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of national, Arizona, and county data, local resources, and historical information to identify community assets, program needs, and teaching opportunities.
• Identifies resources (grants, contracts, in kind contributions, etc.) to enhance agriculture and natural resource programs.
• Work in cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals to develop and implement an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

Program Implementation

• Conducts creative programming and utilizes new technology that may include problem solving research to address priority needs of the target audiences.
• Participates in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials, and publicity information in support of state, county, and community initiatives.
• Functions as a resource for other agencies and organizations. Promotes interaction and cooperation among various groups.
• Disseminates educational materials through county wide and/or multi-county events, workshops, websites, newsletters, and other mass media methods, use of volunteers, and other methods.
• Provides recruitment, training, and recognition of volunteers and assists them in the conduct of educational programs as appropriate.
• Promotes communication and teamwork with county and state Extension, other faculty, and youth professionals.
• Promotes Cooperative Extension as the outreach arm of the state land-grant university.

Program Results

• Evaluates and documents results and impacts of educational programs.
• Communicates program results to both professional peers and clientele through periodic reports, scholarly works, and various types of publications (e.g., bulletins/fact sheets, popular articles, state publications, scientific articles, social media, video, and computer programs).
• Consults with the County Extension Director(s) to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member.

Professionalism

• Maintains professional competence through study, participation in professional activities, and the application of knowledge and skills on the job.
• Maintains high ethical and professional standards and is loyal to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
• Promotes public understanding and support for Extension and University programs.
• Performs as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-confidence and self-efficacy, good time management, good judgment, and sensitivity while working with peers and community members alike.

Link to website:  Career Site (csod.com)

Contact Information: Carol Holden  carolholden@arizona.edu   (520) 766-3601

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in plant sciences, horticulture, agriculture systems, food systems, or related field.
• Two years of applicable professional experience.
• Experience in working with diverse stakeholders and volunteers.
• Must be able to travel regionally and nationally.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in production systems including wine grapes and fruit & nut trees (preferably Pecan and Pistachio), horticulture and home gardening, and other sustainable agricultural practices.