Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

 

Job Summary

The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.

 

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Extension, faculty, and other staff and clientele on educational programming in the areas of turf and landscape management. Support planning, creation, coordination, promotion, and delivery under deadlines for varied programs and projects including workshops and seminars, short courses, printed publications, web sites and other electronic communications, presentations, and demonstrations. Identify, implement, and support emerging educational delivery technologies.
• Coordinate, write, review, edit, and update research-based technical content for educational resources in the areas of turf and landscape management, such as but not limited to articles, fact sheets, newsletters, management guides, web sites and social media.
• Develop and provide timely and research-based guidance to professional stakeholders or the public in response to inquiries, or via lectures or educational presentations. May include email, web, phone, and in-person communication, and travel to field locations.
• Provide general support for Commercial Horticulture group activities in collaboration with supervisor and other Extension staff and faculty, including development of program objectives, design of delivery methods, management of event logistics, development of evaluation procedures, and preparation of reports. Assist in training and supervising undergraduate employees. Collaborate in seeking external funding sources to support group activities. Support management of program infrastructure and equipment including vehicles, laboratory and greenhouse spaces, offices, and supplies.
• Participate in planning and conducting applied research and/or scholarly and creative activity as appropriate, either at UMass facilities or external cooperator sites. Manage data collection, support data analysis, and prepare related reports, articles, and educational materials for Extension and scholarly publications.
• Maintain and increase personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities, and continuing education. Prepare and implement a professional development plan.
• Represent UMass Extension at the campus, regional or state level in routine matters of organization and procedure relating to the Commercial Horticulture group.

 

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in horticultural, agricultural or biological science, or related discipline).
• Two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to maintain a