Agent, Ruminant Livestock Specialist

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: 44 minutes ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 117738
Title: Agent
Functional Title: Agent, Ruminant Livestock Specialist
Category Status: 02-Faculty Non-Tenured, On Track
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: AGNR-UME-Field Operations
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position of Agent to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer expertise in dairy, beef, and small ruminant production to producers, agricultural service providers, and UME personnel throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to dairy, beef, and small ruminant production systems, and ruminant health and nutrition. Program areas may include physiology and reproduction; herd evaluation; animal health, comfort, and welfare; facilities design and management; livestock equipment evaluation; animal nutrition; feeding systems; forage production; pasture and grazing management; environmental management, or other topics. The applicant will have access to Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station facilities including dairy, beef, small ruminant, and equine facilities with 600 acres of forage crops. The Extension Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, producers, and industry groups in facilitating implementation of best practices related to livestock production and management. The incumbent will also serve as the Maryland representative for regional dairy, beef, and small ruminant production information and training efforts. The position will be based at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center near Keedysville, Maryland.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Master’s degree in animal or dairy science, or a related field of study.



Experience:
  • Experience conducting applied research to improve agricultural productivity, health, and resilience in dairy, beef, and small ruminant production through the application of nutrition, health, conservation practices, and advanced agricultural technology systems.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of the ability to work with colleagues, students, industry, and other clientele.
  • Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting Extension or outreach education.
  • Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.

Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out of state travel may also be required. Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences:
Preferences:
  • Ph.D. in animal or dairy science, or a related field of study.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop outreach programming that assists stakeholders in making research-based decisions.
  • Evidence of peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications.
  • Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
  • Demonstrated skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate technical information.
  • Experience working with graduate students is desirable.
  • Experience working with 4-H youth development programs (e.g., judging, showing, skillathon, quiz bowl) is desirable.
  • Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Additional Certifications:
Valid driver’s license required.
Additional Information:
Position Responsibilities:
The Extension Specialist will be part of a diverse team (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), UME, and key stakeholder groups) that conducts applied research and educational programming to improve the production and management of dairy, beef, and small ruminant systems in Maryland. The position will provide leadership for relevant dairy, beef, and small ruminant programming within the Agriculture and Food Systems Program, one of four UME programs. The individual will collaborate closely with producers, field and campus Extension colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, agricultural leaders, and other stakeholders to address important issues in ruminant livestock systems.
The incumbent will conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The position will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences including, but not limited to, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions. The position will also help support youth development programs related to ruminant production systems.
The Extension Specialist will use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that delivers, measures, and interprets the impacts of programs and engagements regarding livestock production systems in Maryland and beyond. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust Extension education program that engages participants in a collaborative-learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
The Extension Specialist represents UME; the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD); and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The position ensures that educational programming is in alignment with UME’s current strategic plan and plan of work, especially as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined.
In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director, Agriculture and Food Systems Program.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $62,255; Ph.D. Base: $74,354. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Posting Date: 02/29/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 03/30/2024
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
  • A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research plots and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, tables, and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites.
  • This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
  • Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Similar Positions