Field Specialist in Agricultural Business – Southeast Region, 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 Missourians' quality of life and enhance the economic viability of Missouri enterprises while protecting the environment and the state's natural resources.

Responsibilities

• Assisting agricultural operators and agribusinesses with decision-making, financial management, taxes, and risk mitigation as they start, expand, or diversify their businesses,
• Assessing new business opportunities and emerging economic issues faced by producers, landowners, and businesses,
• Offering technical assistance contracts, often in collaboration with state specialists, that support efforts such as business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies, surveys, etc., and
• Connecting appropriate regional and state partners with an agricultural business owner when an economic development opportunity arises.

Requirements

This position is a 12-month, ranked, non-tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional. Rank will be determined at the time of the appointment based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the MU Extension faculty standards. This position will hold a working title of Field Specialist in Agricultural Business.

Qualifications

• An earned Master’s or other applicable terminal degrees MBA or Ph.D. in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, business administration, business management or related field at time of appointment.

Skills

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Experience working with a variety of audiences.

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.

Pay

Minimum starting salary of $58,000.00, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Schedule

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.

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 and Environment provides overall programmatic leadership. Programmatic supervision comes from the Education Director for the Agricultural and Business Policy Program with administrative oversight from the Regional Director for the Southeast 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.