Extension Agent II, Vegetable Crops

Apply now Job no:499978
College / VP Area: College of Ag & Natural Res
Work type:Staff
Location:Georgetown
Categories:Full Time, Extension and Outreach

PAY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Carvel Research and Education Center serves as the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ southern Agricultural Experiment Station and is located near Georgetown, Delaware. This well-equipped station, comprising 350 acres, is the primary facility for vegetable and grain crop research. Plant and Soil Sciences faculty and Cooperative Extension staff are located there and include a strong multidisciplinary vegetable team with expertise in weed science, irrigation, agronomy, plant pathology, plant breeding, and entomology. Cooperative Extension enjoys the support of a dynamic agricultural community.  The incumbent’s responsibilities will include interactions with the farmers and ag industry throughout Delaware. Major vegetables crops for Delaware include lima bean, snap beans, peas, sweet corn, spinach, tomatoes, pumpkins, watermelon, ethnic vegetables and more.

This position will be part of a dynamic team of specialists and agents working on vegetable crops important to Delaware’s agricultural community. Delaware is a regional leader in the production of fresh market and processing vegetable crops.  This position will work closely with the Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist to develop a research and outreach program to benefit vegetable producers in Delaware.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact with growers, agricultural industry reps, and government agencies to ensure research and extension needs are identified and are addressed through educational methods.
• Collaborate with University of Delaware (UD) and regional researchers, and state agencies to design and conduct appropriate research for vegetables.
• Collaborate with extension agents and specialists to plan, adopt, and/or facilitate research based educational programs without supervision.
• Plan, develop and execute appropriate delivery methods to teach clientele new practices, procedures, and skills based on the latest research findings. Conduct research and education to improve vegetable production practices in the areas of fertility, soil health, plant stress mitigation, variety selection, or other cultural practices, including appropriate statistical analysis, data summary, and reporting.
• Write grants or seek other funding sources to support the vegetable program and associated research. Manage and report on grants received.
• Supervise miscellaneous wage employees to assist with research.
• Present and translate into practical practices the research results at local, state, regional grower meetings and professional conferences.
• Contribute to, update and revise the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations (a collaborative effort with DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV and VA). 
• Serve as the Secretary of the Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association of Delaware.
• Work with agents and specialists to plan fruit and vegetable extension events across the state including the vegetable sessions at Delaware Ag Week.
• Coordinate and edit the Weekly Crop Update (WCU) newsletter. 
• Contribute to the Extension Vegetable and Fruit Program website.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and four years’ experience or Master's and two years’ experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience. A degree in horticulture or plant science is preferred. A degree in entomology, plant pathology, agronomy, soils, fertility, environmental science, crop science or ag/biological engineering background will be considered.
• Experience with vegetable or fruit crops.  Experience with fertility and soil health is preferred.
• Knowledge of experimental design, and the ability to conduct and analyze research projects.
• Identify and collaborate to execute research available to support educational program focus.
• Excellent organizational, management and interpersonal skills.
• ability to plan and report an individual work plan.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work with and occasionally lead other professionals in programming.
• Ability to communicate and interact well with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds is expected.
• Knowledge of software systems for statical analysis, and comfort with digital means for extension outreach. Ability to generate impact reports.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close:Open until filled

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