Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

Home Office Location: UME Frederick County Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position is located in the University of Maryland Extension office in Frederick County, Maryland. The position will support the Frederick County Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Program. The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for agronomy and horticultural crops, livestock, small farm and alternative agriculture, marketing and farm business development in Frederick County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the Central Cluster.

Responsibilities:
● Work with the UME Agriculture and Food Systems Action Teams to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agronomic and horticultural crop production, livestock, small scale farming and alternative agriculture enterprises to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, agricultural business, and marketing in Frederick County the Central Cluster, and across the state.
● Deliver programs in crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, livestock and forage production, nutrient management, financial management and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Frederick County, the Central Cluster, and across the state.
● Provide training and recertification opportunities for certified private pesticide applicators and nutrient management voucher holders.
● Develop Extension programs that improve the financial viability of farms through cooperative development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for producers.
● Work collaboratively with the Frederick County Economic Development office to develop, implement, and evaluate rural economic development initiatives including, but not limited to, agri-tourism, wholesale markets, direct marketing, and value-added projects.
● Preparation of information for the media, which may include news articles, press releases, newsletters
● Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
● Develop and implement Extension program marketing and public relations activities.
● Develop grant funded projects to enhance and expand educational programs.
● Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations, including attendance and participation at Frederick Soil Conservation District meetings, Frederick County Office of Agriculture, as required.
● Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension publications, participation in applied research, conference posters, and professional presentations.
● Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems.
● Serve on city, county, and regional agricultural committees.


Physical Demands:
● This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
● The employee will frequently lift and/or move items and set up and tear down displays, tables, and chairs at many teaching sites. Able to lift 20 lbs.
● Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
● This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year.
● Able to traverse farm fields and uneven terrain.

Qualifications:
Required–
● BS degree in agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, applied plant science, agricultural business, or related field and some experience in agricultural rural development or agri-business.
● Three years of leadership and management experience that demonstrate the abilities of being able to work well with farm producers and community leaders.
● Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
● Plant diagnostic skills, such as identifying insects and diseases.
● Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Cluster, as well as the state of Maryland as needed.
● Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
● Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor/consultant and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license