Kentucky State University
Location
Frankfort, KY | United States
Job description
TITLE: Small Farm Area Agent
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program
LOCATION: KSU Main Campus Frankfort, KY
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:
Extension Agents are community based professionals of Kentucky State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. The Extension Agent for Small Farms will develop, conduct and deliver educational programs based on locally identified needs, which lead to improved quality of life for limited resource and minority farmers. The Extension Agent for Small Farms is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating effective and comprehensive educational programs and training designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources confronting small-scale and limited resource farmers. The Extension Agent for Small Farms is responsible for non-formal educational programs in appropriate technology, alternative enterprises, farm planning and management, marketing, farm sustainability, and leveraging community collaboration. This position will be a member of the off-campus Extension staff of Kentucky State University as part of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System, which is composed of individuals and programs from both Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:
The Extension Agent for Small Farms is a professional educator who provides leadership to the local Small Farms program and manages its day-to-day operation. The Extension Agent for Small Farms Agent will work closely with the ANR Program Leader for all programmatic efforts. The Extension Agent for Small Farm is a member of the county operations team and is supervised by the Western Regional Extension Director. This position will serve all clientele and give them an equal opportunity to participate in programs regardless of race, gender, age, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without accommodation)
1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a county plan of work based on locally identified needs; develop and implement research-based virtual and face-to-face small farms educational programs in the county to meet the needs of diverse, underrepresented audiences, including Limited English Proficient youth.
2. Create advisory council to help identify local issues and needs for farmers
3. Work with specialists to provide cutting edge information and creative programming; assists professional researchers, specialists, and directors of other youth outreach programs with selection of student participants, counselors and support staff, and with proper assignment of projects for implementation.
4. Collect, enter, and analyze statistical data, and report in Kentucky Extension Reporting System. Develop monthly newsletters for farmers.
5. Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs in the areas of agribusiness, alternative enterprises, farm management, local food production, and marketing
6. Develop field days, field trials, and demonstrations related to alternative enterprise production.
7. Serve as a resource to the community through answering agribusiness/marketing and alternative enterprises related questions.
8. Serve as a conduit to additional programing and information available at Kentucky State University such as small and tree fruit production, small fruit production, vegetable production, organic production practices aquaponics, apiculture, ornamental plant selection, and other related programing.
9. Assist farmers with farm planning to improve income from agricultural production.
10. Assist farmers with electronic recordkeeping.
11. Advise farmers on opportunities to apply for available grant programs such as Agricultural Development Funds, The KSU Small Scale Farm Program grants, USDA grants, and other grant programs.
12. Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Ag Economics, Environmental Science, or related field. Three to five years of experience and Master’s Degree in related area strongly preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
• Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs. Experience working with diverse populations.
• Excellent team building skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Understanding and ability to conduct community needs assessment to determine program priorities.
• Knowledge and willingness of adult involvement and working relationships.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Basic knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs.
• Program marketing skills.
• Knowledge and willingness to involve and manage participants in delivery.
• Maintain a personal commitment to working with diverse clientele and colleagues, and a willingness to further the civil rights goals of KSU Cooperative Extension.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
• Must be able to lift large boxes up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to travel (25%).
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, especially during the summer (35%).
• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires some standing or walking.
• A valid driver license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the university.
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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