Educational Program Assistant 2 - Farm Viability Service

Details

Posted: 14-Mar-24

Location: Tolland County Extension Ctr

Salary: Open

Internal Number: 498221

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), seeks applicants for a part-time (75%) Program Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2), to support the Farm Viability Service, as well as other related initiatives within UConn Extension. Under the general supervision of the Tolland County Extension Educator, this position will work in tandem with the Educator and other CAHNR faculty, to provide administrative, programmatic, and customer service support for the Farm Viability Service initiative. The purpose of the Farm Viability Service is to provide whole farm planning support to small, diversified farm entrepreneurs, who need assistance stabilizing their business model and/or are ready to scale up their enterprise. The incumbent will provide support to the CAHNR Extension faculty in their mission to guide farm entrepreneurs to existing resources and experts in the field.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Direct inquiries from farmers and stakeholders to Extension faculty and existing CAHNR programs.
• Coordinate the general administrative duties for the program, such as creating timelines, setting deadlines, and scheduling meetings of the faculty affiliated with the Farm Viability Service.
• Coordinate meetings and visits between farmers and faculty affiliated with the Farm Viability Service.
• Manage communication platforms for the Farm Viability Service, including its website and social media, responding appropriately to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal and external state agencies, as well as assist faculty in connecting farmers and stakeholders to additional resources.
• Provide information to farmers about grant opportunities and assist farmers in identifying sources for completing grant applications.
• Support the faculty associated with the Farm Viability Service in applying for external grants related to the program.
• Assist faculty affiliated with the Farm Viability Service in bringing issues from farming community that may provide input for potential research proprieties.
• Connect farmers with relevant faculty and maintain listing of farmers interested in research collaboration.
• Collect and analyze participant outcome data and use that analysis to develop recommendations for program improvement.
• Assist faculty in compiling program data, distributing and sharing program evaluations, and assembling reports for faculty, which show the impact and performance of the initiative.
• Assist in the creation of promotional and outreach materials, both printed and digital, which inform and educate farmers about the Farm Viability Service program.
• Ensure that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are modeled and upheld through developing program outreach tools and materials that are accessible and ADA-compliant.
• Maintain confidentiality of all farmers and relevant program information and materials.
• Direct farmers to known resources to help them develop their business plans.
• Serve as the Farm Viability Service program liaison to relevant CAHNR-wide and University-wide efforts.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years of experience in agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Professional experience related to agriculture, agribusiness, and/or program development.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals of diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.

Experience with website and social media maintenance, including the generation of applicable content.

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, or similar programs.

Experience maintaining databases and applicable records.

Experience scheduling meetings and planning events for stakeholders and service providers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in farming or farm-related business/agribusiness.

Experience working in an Extension Program with a clear understanding of Extension system in the land grant university system.

Experience with project evaluation.

Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, food justice and the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Bilingual preference given to candidates who speak to Spanish. 

Possession of a strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to independently work on tasks.

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and/or stakeholders.

Familiarity with graphic design programs such as Canva.

Demonstrated ability to manage and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a part-time, 75% (equating to 26.25 hours per week), end-date position that is annually renewable based on performance and available funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/ . Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/JOBS/,  Staff Positions, Search #498221. Please provide a cover letter, resume, or CV, and 3 professional or work-related references. Your cover letter should address how you meet minimum and preferred qualifications.  

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 3, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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