ANR Extension Agent - Hampshire Extension Office

About the role

The WVU Extension Department at West Virginia University, located in Hampshire County (Romney, WV), is currently accepting applications for an ANR Extension Agent serving Hampshire County.

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive Extension program in agriculture and natural resources (ANR) with a focus on agribusiness, consumer horticulture, local foods, and agritourism- related community development.
• Work with farmers and landowners to enhance their production and management skills to improve the profitability and sustainability of their farm businesses and local foods endeavors.
• Develop and execute a Plan of Work that includes a mix of ANR programming with an expectation to include agribusiness and agritourism development opportunities in the county and the Eastern Panhandle region.
• Use the resources of the West Virginia University and the community to effectively implement county programs.
• Identify, recruit, and develop volunteer leadership (i.e., master gardeners) to assist with delivering the program of work in the county.
• Conduct educational programs in his/her designated program area to help people more effectively interpret and use science-based findings.
• Assume responsibility for developing and executing a Plan of Work.
• Teach and develop non-credit educational programming in response to locally identified priority needs.
• Service: Develop an understanding of the county, the needs of its citizens and Extension's role in meeting those needs. Understand the county situation in terms of social and economic factors. Understand the role of County Extension Service in effecting changes in the county situation. Develop community partnerships to address county programming needs. Continuously examine his/her role as a change agent.
• Research: Use knowledge of agriculture to inform and guide teaching and service and move the faculty and learner to decision making and action. Participate in professional development activities that increase expertise in the discipline.

Requirements

• A completed master’s degree in an agricultural-related field of study is required for Assistant Professor consideration.
• Candidates with a master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date.
• A completed bachelor's degree in an agricultural-related field of study is required for Visiting Instructor consideration.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date.
• One (1) year of experience in agribusiness, plant science/horticulture field of study is highly preferred.
• Training and experience in community development (such as agribusiness, etc) is desired.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skill through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
• Experience in volunteer management, supervision, resource development, and team leadership is desirable.
• Documented experience in promoting, marketing or creating public awareness of program/services among key community decision-makers is desirable.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following: Training and experience in agribusiness, plant science/horticulture field of study is highly preferred.
• Training and experience in community development (such as agribusiness, etc) is desired.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skill through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
• Experience in volunteer management, supervision, resource development, and team leadership is desirable.
• Documented experience in promoting, marketing or creating public awareness of program/services among key community decision-makers is desirable.

SkillsProficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management are required.

Experience working with advisory committees and/or focus groups.

Experience working with the media and web-based information delivery methods.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments).
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits.
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.

Pay

• Salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• Twelve-month position carrying the academic rank of Assistant Professor or Visiting Instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers. Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu. West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.