Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production

TITLE: The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production 

LOCATION: West Louisville Extension Office 

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program   

REPORTS TO: Program Leader  

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months 

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD 

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time  

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt  

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production (Jefferson County) is a member of the off-campus public service staff of Kentucky State University. The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production provides unbiased, research-based, practical, and useful information to underserve and historically disadvantaged Kentuckians through virtual and in-person methods.  The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production reports to the Community Resources Development Program Manager. This position will serve all clientele ensuring that all youth and adults have equal opportunity to participate in Extension programs regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or age. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

1. Collaborate with 4-H Agents, schools, community members, and others to establish gardening, farming, hydroponic, greenhouse planting, and aquaculture programs. 
2. Assist with the implementation and maintenance of community gardens and farms producing specialty crops, livestock, grains, and other agriculture products. 
3. Provide technical assistance and programs related to urban soil health, soil ecology, climate resiliency, gardening, farming, hydroponic, greenhouse planting, aquaculture and sustainability. 
4. Serve as a conduit to additional programming and information available at Kentucky State University such as community gardening, school gardening urban agriculture, vegetable production, aquaponics, and other related programming. 
5. Deliver educational programming using a range of approaches and media, including but not limited to one-on-one meetings, workshops, field days, site visits, phone calls, email, and other virtual methods of communication.
6. Works collaboratively with Extension specialists and associates in the piloting and implementation of urban Extension relevant programs. 
7. Recruit volunteers, create and utilize the expertise of advisory groups, community leaders, public officials, and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and assist in developing educational programs. 
8. Advise farmers on opportunities to apply for available grant programs such as the KSU Small Scale Farm Program grants, USDA grants, and other grant programs.  
9. Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and underrepresented audiences' representative of the service area including Limited English Proficient individuals. 
10. Serve as a link between researchers and specialists and the local communities served. 
11. Demonstrate personal interest and involvement in the community by participating in and supporting civic/community activities/organizations and networkin