Field Specialist in Agricultural Systems Technology – Sullivan County, MO

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement

The Plant Production & Technology Program

MU TITLE:  Extension Specialist/Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional

LOCATION: Milan, Missouri and primarily serves the Northeast Region, with additional service across the state as needed.

SPECIALIST EMPHASIS

The emphasis area for this position is Applied Agricultural Technology, which may include the integration of technology concepts and principles with soil science, plant science, agronomy, animal science, computer science, agricultural production, data management, technology operations, and other disciplines, based on local needs. The position involves planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.

Agricultural Systems Technology programs in MU Extension include, precision agriculture, drone technology, robotics, digital agriculture, crop and hay production, soil health, nutrient management, pesticide applications, livestock handling and housing technologies, air quality, water quality, drainage and water management, irrigation systems, natural resources, energy technologies and management, farm building systems, grain handling and farm safety.

Educational programs may consist of in-person workshops, farm tours, field demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, and online programming that provide research-based material to local clients. The position also involves interacting with the agricultural community, including commodity groups, industry representatives, producers, farm families, local and statewide elected officials, and other university colleagues from the Midwest.

Extension Specialist positions are a 12-month appointment, not on a promotion track.

Field Specialist are Extension faculty positions on a 12-month, non-tenure track appointments to the promotable ranks of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional. Rank will be determined at the time of appointment based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the MU Extension faculty standards.

This position will hold the working title of Field Specialist in Agricultural Systems Technology.

As a Field Specialist, your workload distribution at appointment will be 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service. 

This appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of the University and workload distribution may change at the discretion of Extension leadership.  Circumstances affecting continued employment include, but are not limited to, work performance, fund availability, and educational priorities.

CORE DUTIES OF MU EXTENSION SPECIALISTS

MU Extension Specialists deliver the University of Missouri to all Missourians. They serve all Missourians by bringing research-based solutions to work on local problems. MU Extension Specialists teach new and foundational concepts, link people to resources, support partner organizations, participate in research, train volunteers, evaluate programs, foster innovation, and serve communities. MU Extension Specialists work as a team to expand educational attainment, foster economic development, and improve health outcomes. These core duties fall into three major areas:

Educate, Create, and Connect .

• Educate . MU Extension specialists design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs. MU Extension specialists teach research-based information via meetings, in-person and online courses, continuing education classes, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, websites, consultation, and other educational methods. They provide inclusive educational programs that support the individual, organizational, and community goals of Missouri’s diverse learners and clients.
• Create . MU Extension specialists develop innovative and research-informed educational products, services, materials, and other scholarly works. These include curricula, publications, presentations, educational tools, websites, and similar resources. MU Extension specialists obtain and use extramural funding to support creative works. MU Extension specialists contribute to the scholarship of Extension and Engagement by evaluating programs that result in learning and behavior changes that impact individuals and communities.
• Connect . MU Extension specialists engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, including county extension councils, government officials and agencies, partners, and University and professional organizations. MU Extension specialists listen and respond with care. MU Extension specialists intentionally foster diversity, equity, and inclusiveness via engaged partnerships and robust connections to the wide array of programs offered by the whole University of Missouri System.

Professional Expectations

• Engage with stakeholders in all coverage counties to identify educational needs and then collaborate with appropriate internal and external partners to meet programming needs, incorporating timely marketing strategies.
• Create an annual plan-of-work that reflects local needs and aligns with statewide program area efforts. Provide a monthly report for assigned county extension councils, supervisors, county commissioners and others, regarding programmatic efforts. Attend at least one county extension council meeting each month and provide a program review with feedback and analysis for the respective coverage area.
• Collaborate with campus-based specialists on research projects and then deliver findings from those efforts via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and appropriate media.
• Effectively work with supervisors, other specialists, and local leaders to complete administrative tasks as needed to support county efforts.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject matter knowledge, inclusivity, equity, educational delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonal relations, organization knowledge, leadership, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research-based information during times of natural disasters or unexpected catastrophic events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees for assigned program area.
• Participate in professional development events to improve both technical and leadership skills.
• Conduct all activities per the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of MU Extension.

Additional Expectations

• MU Extension Specialists travel regularly throughout Missouri and occasionally to out-of-state locations. MU Extension requires specialists to have a valid Missouri driver’s license, a legally operating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service for University use. MU Extension specialists receive reimbursement for approved travel expenses, per University of Missouri policy.
• MU Extension programs often occur outside of normal business hours. MU Extension Specialists should expect to attend these events as needed, to meet the needs of learners, clients, and stakeholders.

MU EXTENSION LEADERSHIP RECEIVED

The Senior Program Director for Agriculture & Environment provides overall programmatic leadership. Programmatic supervision comes from the Education Directors for the Plant Production & Technology program area and administrative oversight from the Regional Director for the Northeast region.

MU EXTENSION INFORMATION

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, economic development, and healthy people. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension2.missouri.edu/

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of the state’s land-grant universities. MU’s comprehensive undergraduate programs and its graduate, professional, and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Earned master’s or Ph.D. degree (ranked NTT appointment – Assistant Extension Professional title), bachelor's degree (non-ranked academic appointment - Extension Specialist title) in Agricultural Technology, Ag. Systems Management, Engineering, or a closely related agricultural science with emphasis on technology, along with appropriate coursework at time of appointment.

Employment of a candidate with a bachelor’s degree will be as an extension specialist with the working title of field specialist.  Faculty hired as an extension specialist will have the expectations of completing a master’s degree in an approved subject matter area. The faculty member will remain an extension specialist until completion of the approved master’s degree, or if he or she has a master's degree, has completed the agreed upon coursework.

Candidates must demonstrate they are authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship of U.S. temporary employment visas will not be offered for this position.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

Knowledge of subject matter must be demonstrated at time of appointment as relates to Missouri / Midwest agricultural production.

Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage others, including strong listening, written, and oral communication skills

Minimum starting salary of $47,000.00, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:

• Cover Letter

• Resume/CV

• Copies of all unofficial academic transcripts, and

• a list of 3-5 references

For questions regarding the online application process contact [email protected] or call 573.882.7976.  For technical problems with the online application process contact [email protected] or call 573.882.5000.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits . 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.