Extension Educator - Horticulture, Turf & Urban Greenspace

Title: Extension Educator - Horticulture, Turf & Urban Greenspace

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor, Job Code 9623

Extension Center: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR)

Location: This position will be based in one of the Regional Extension offices in central Minnesota (Farmington, Andover, St. Cloud, Rochester), which will be determined at time of hire.

Apply By: July 13, 2022

ABOUT THIS POSITION
This Extension Educator (EE) position will provide statewide technical assistance and educational programming leadership for stakeholders state-wide, from grass seed growers in greater Minnesota to homeowners in urban areas. Turf systems comprise a large area of Minnesota and have a very strong impact on water usage from ground and surface waters for the whole state. Turf areas impact nutrient management through direct fertilizer usage and by being the most common buffer between agricultural land and water systems. Turf is a vital part of the urban garden/farming landscape, and education about grasses is important for all Minnesotans. The EE will design, develop, implement and evaluate research-based educational programming via online and technology tools, seminars, workshops, field days, or non-credit courses with an emphasis on online tools.

The EE will collaborate closely with Extension and research state faculty, regional and local EEs, industry representatives and other stakeholders from both horticulture and crops to extend research into the community. This position will report to the Program Leader in Horticulture for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions.

LOCATION OF POSITION

This position will be based in one of the Regional Extension offices in central Minnesota (Farmington, Andover, St. Cloud, Rochester), which will be determined at time of hire.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

In the context of the scope of the position and the intended audiences, both outlined in the previous section, the following expectations are:

• Develop educational programming to effectively and efficiently reach intended audiences, through use of appropriate delivery methods and associated existing (when possible) communication channels
• Develop and use program evaluations to measure program outcomes, impact and overall effectiveness that can also inform future programs
• Provide up-to-date research-based education and information on turfgrass production to home gardeners, horticultural professionals in the commercial and non-profit arenas, and Extension Master Gardener volunteers
• Develop collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to faculty, audiences and industry professionals
• Align with existing horticulture team communication channels including blogs, online classes, in person workshops or presentations, field days, presentations at professional conferences, online and written publications, fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, social media, and other related educational materials
• Plan and conduct scholarly programming and creative activities to meet the needs of professional growers and users of turfgrass (e.g. low-input turf, bee lawns, climate resilient landscapes). Communicate results through reports, articles, and educational materials for Extension and peer-reviewed publications

• Work with other Extension Specialists and Educators to respond to inquiries from local and statewide seed growers, turfgrass producers about greenspace issues
• Use current and appropriate technology for program design, delivery, reporting, communication and trend monitoring
• Collaborate with appropriate faculty, staff, and industry partners to identify financial and in-kind support for outreach programming
• Maintain high level expertise in current turfgrass science, through professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means
• Participate and advance in professional performance through annual performance reviews, professional plan of work and promotion
• Make significant annual contributions to the six promotion criteria in Extension academic rank: program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program management and service

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. This is a full-time, annual Academic Professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Professor (9623). Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits, including health and life insurance, .
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary commensurate with education and experience and will be negotiated at time of offer.
6. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master's degree in horticulture, plant science or a related discipline is required.

Experience:

• Experience and/or educational specialization in turfgrass production and management.

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats
• Proven technology skills to facilitate technology-enhanced teaching and create online content.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, (e.g., legislators, program participants and industry groups), and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Ability to use computers and software for word processing, data management and analysis, publications and electronic communications

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to be utilized for travel. Transporting materials and supplies to events and the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes and published in the Extension public staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• Two (2) years' post-degree professional experience in an emphasis area related to the position
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating educational programs
• Experience in applied research
• Skills in media relations
• Experience facilitating technology-enhanced teaching and creating online content.
• Experience conducting applied experiments

Knowledge:

• Knowledge/experience in working with turfgrass professionals
• Knowledge of and interest in sustainable turfgrass management methods including water and nutrient conservation
• Professional working relationships with agricultural and horticultural groups, farmers, entrepreneurs, processors, non-profits, and government agencies
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited resource audiences and culturally diverse communities
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Demonstrated ability to articulate public value of educational programs
• Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement .

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Annie Klodd, Extension Educator - Horticulture, and Search Committee Chair, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, .

DIVERSITY

University of Minnesota Extension shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: .

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.