UNH Extension Seeks a Food and Agriculture Field Specialist

This full-time position is based at Extension's Coös County office in Lancaster, N.H.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

This position is based at UNH Extension’s Coös County office in Lancaster, N.H. The field specialist will provide formal and informal education to the agricultural community by organizing and implementing educational events including workshops, field tours, and grower meetings; disseminating current research-based information through the development of fact sheets, articles, and other print and web-based resources; and providing one-on-one instruction and technical assistance to farms, homestead operations and agricultural businesses of all sizes throughout the county to improve quality, sustainability, and profitability of products and services. UNH is a federal contractor within the meaning of the Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This position may require that you be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the future, unless you apply for and receive a religious or medical exemption.

Apply

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Educational Programming

Provide one-on-one instruction and technical assistance to farms and homestead operations of all types and sizes to improve the quality, sustainability, and profitability of products and services.
Work independently and with a team of Extension state and field specialists to support, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate innovative, relevant, and impactful educational programs that enhance the profitability and sustainability of agricultural businesses in Coös County and statewide.
Disseminate current research-based information to clients through the development of fact sheets, articles, newsletters, and other print and web-based resources.
Connect agricultural businesses with appropriate Extension staff and programs as appropriate when client needs fall outside the field specialist’s area of expertise. Work in partnership with the Extension Coös County Forester when appropriate, based on client needs.
Connect home gardeners and other community members with the services of Cooperative Extension, including the Master Gardener program and the Education Center Infoline.
Involve the Coös County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and local agricultural agencies and organizations in an educational needs assessment.
Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and that all educational programming is designed and conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Engagement, Outreach, and Communication

Develop partnerships and serve on committees and boards with local and state agricultural agencies and organizations such as Coös County Conservation District; Natural Resources Conservation Service; and N.H. Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. Strive for productive relationships with elected and appointed officials.
Support the Extension Coös County Office Administrator (COA) in the performance of their duties, carry out appropriate delegated responsibilities, and serve as the COA when the need is identified and as advised by the program team leader and Extension administration.

Professional Development

Develop and implement a professional development plan to maintain and enhance competence in appropriate agriculture subject areas and professional skills such as leadership, group process and facilitation, use of technology, and instructional design.

Additional DutieS

Accomplish other duties as assigned by the program team leader

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A master’s degree and two years of relevant experience in agricultural education is strongly preferred. At least one degree must be in agriculture or a closely related field, earned from an accredited institution. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field with three years of relevant experience may be considered contingent upon their agreement to obtain a master’s degree within seven years of employment. UNH’s tuition benefit, which begins after one year of employment at UNH, covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to five courses per fiscal year at all USNH institutions.
Subject matter competence in agricultural subjects of significance to farms in northern New Hampshire.
Experience working with commercial agricultural producers and organizations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated willingness to learn on an ongoing basis.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with coworkers and clients with a variety of values and interests and of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, incomes, and education levels.
Willingness and ability to accomplish year-round field work and be available to work some nights and weekends.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for frequent local travel. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated competency in presenting educational programs.
Experience or familiarity with Extension programs.

Apply

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information, and political orientation. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

Author(s)

Seth Wilner

Agricultural Business Management Field Specialist

Full Extension Field Spec