Extension Agent II, Agriculture

Major Responsibilities

• Identify critical issues of concern related to a diversity of farming operations in New Castle County, Delaware including but not limited to animal agriculture, small-scale farming, urban, and climate smart agriculture.
• Work collaboratively within the state and region to plan, develop, implement and evaluate relevant agricultural educational programs without supervision using science-based information to help address and resolve issues in the areas of, but not limited to, commercial and smaller scale production, animal science, hay and forages, and to provide opportunities for continuing education credits for Delaware Nutrient Management and Pesticide Applicator license holders.
• Develop workshops, demonstrations, newsletters, fact sheets and web content based on current scientific knowledge to provide support to Delaware residents and producers involved in agriculture while keeping abreast of current issues/developments in the various disciplines.
• Employ a variety of educational delivery methods to help clientele (farmers, agriculture industry) understand and adopt new practices, procedures, and skills based on current science. Delivery methods include on-site visits, newsletters, fact sheets, field demonstrations and tours, virtual learning opportunities, educational meetings, workshops, short courses, online publications, and contributing to the Weekly Crop Update, the Delaware Agronomy Blog and the UD Extension website.
• Serve as the Cooperative Extension point of contact for the agricultural industry in New Castle County.
• Serve as a member of the Extension Agriculture program team and work collaboratively with statewide programming as part of the Extension Plan of Work.
• Collaborate with the Departments in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and other county-based Extension staff and with the various agricultural Extension Specialists in Delaware and the region.
• Support and collaborate with interest/industry groups as appropriate.
• Support and collaborate with youth groups like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H Youth Development.
• Establish and maintain program advisory groups to identify program needs and evaluate ongoing programs.
• Seek additional funding resources through grants, sponsors and donors to expand and enhance educational opportunities.
• Supervise volunteers, extension scholars, interns and independent study students as needed.
• Implement initiatives in support of the affirmative action plan, ensure equal opportunity and access to Extension programs for all individuals.
• Document and track program impact based on stated objectives, develop effective evaluation techniques, and enter this information into internal tracking software.
• Prepare annual program impact reports.
• Maintain and improve professional competence through formal and non-formal means.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, or related field and four years’ related experience, or Master’s plus two years’ experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience.
• Knowledge of Extension and adult education methods.
• Excellent organizational, management and human relations skills.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to effectively motivate and teach on an individual/group basis with a variety of audiences and educational levels.
• Ability to work and lead other professionals in programming.