Assistant/Associate Agent, Commercial Horticulture (Phoenix, AZ)

Duties & Responsibilities

The purpose of the Commercial Horticulture Extension Assistant/Associate Agent is to conduct applied research, deliver educational opportunities, and provide technical support to the consumer and commercial horticulture sectors, as well as production assistance for urban landscape systems in Maricopa County.

The agent collaborates with the commercial horticulture sector, like retail and wholesale nursery industry leaders, commercial fruit, vegetable and flower producers, and commercial landscape suppliers to identify research and education needs to benefit the industry and promote environmentally responsible practices in the desert southwest.

Research and Extension program outcomes are presented at conferences and state, regional, and national meetings of professional organizations. The agent communicates with clientele and peers through a variety of means, including print publications, peer reviewed journal articles, emails, and social media.

Education opportunities are offered through formal and non-formal classes, clinics, and workshops in plant biology, pest management, soil science, water, and other relevant topics, as needed for entities such as professional and urban horticulture and food producers.

On-site support is provided through visits to identify problems and offer practical solutions. Oversight and guidance is provided to clientele across Maricopa County. The agent works with diverse clientele as well as other University of Arizona agents, specialists, researchers, programmatic staff, volunteers, and governmental agencies and nongovernmental organization representatives.

Program Development

Counsels with the County Extension Director to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member. Promotes public understanding and support for Extension and University programs. Performs as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

• Skill in identifying and obtaining grants, contracts, and other financial resources to enhance programming.
• Knowledge of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programming.
• Knowledge in the subject matter of commercial commercial horticulture and food production.
• Ability to work with community stakeholders and volunteers.

Physical Requirements And Environmental Demands

• Frequent lifting/moving/transporting up to 50 pounds.
• May have to perform work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions.
• May experience high levels of noise, vibration, hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals in a work setting.
• May be exposed to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Rank To Be Determined

Continuing-Eligible (CE)

FLSA

Exempt

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Work Hours

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible schedule

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates

Vanessa Parra, gvparra@arizona.edu

Documents Needed to Apply

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

• For your application to be considered, please submit a Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, and official transcripts.
• Finalists will need to provide three written professional references upon request.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.