Field Specialist in Agricultural Business – Osage County, MO

About the Role

This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that support agricultural and agribusiness development and expansion in ways that improve Missourian’s quality of life and enhance the economic viability of Missouri enterprises while protecting the environment and the state’s natural resources.

The Field Specialist in Agricultural Business will primarily serve Callaway, Cole, Gasconade, Lincoln, Maries, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, and Warren Counties in the East Central Region, with additional service across the state as needed. This is a 12-month, ranked, non-tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional, renewable annually at the discretion of the University.

Workload distribution at appointment will be 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service. Rank and salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist agricultural operators and agribusinesses with decision-making, financial management, taxes, and risk mitigation as they start, expand, or diversify their businesses.
• Assess new business opportunities and emerging economic issues faced by producers, landowners, and businesses.
• Offer technical assistance contracts, often in collaboration with state specialists, that support efforts such as business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies, and surveys.
• Connect appropriate regional and state partners with agricultural business owners when economic development opportunities arise.
• Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and collaborate with regional producer groups, state and local agricultural support entities, and other relevant organizations to leverage efforts and funding opportunities.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs using methods such as meetings, in-person and online courses, continuing education classes, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, websites, and consultation.
• Develop innovative and research-informed educational products, services, materials, and scholarly works, including curricula, publications, presentations, and educational tools.
• Engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, including county extension councils, government officials, and University and professional organizations.
• Create an annual plan-of-work reflecting local needs and aligned with statewide program area efforts.
• Provide monthly reports to assigned county extension councils, supervisors, and county commissioners regarding programmatic efforts.
• Attend at least one county extension council meeting each month and provide program reviews with feedback and analysis.
• Collaborate with campus-based specialists on research projects and deliver findings via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and media.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject matter knowledge, educational delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonal relations, organization knowledge, leadership, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research-based information during natural disasters or catastrophic events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees for the assigned program area.
• Participate in professional development events to improve technical and leadership skills.

Requirements

• An earned Master’s or other applicable terminal degree (MBA or Ph.D.) in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, business administration, business management, or a related field at the time of appointment.
• Experience working with a variety of audiences.
• Valid Missouri driver’s license, a legally operating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service for university use.

MU Extension Specialists travel regularly throughout Missouri and occasionally to out-of-state locations. Programs often occur outside of normal business hours, and specialists should expect to attend these events as needed.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

For additional information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

Pay

This position offers a minimum starting salary of $58,000, with the final salary determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.