Regional Crops Educator

Extension has been working with farmers for more than 100 years, and we’re diversifying our staffing portfolio to meet the evolving needs of our clientele. The Regional Crops Educator position is designed to work with crop producers and agribusiness professionals across a multi-county service area to solve production challenges and incorporate new research findings into outreach and educational materials that improve the efficiency and profitability of crop production.

About the role

The Regional Crops Educator will work with producers in Washington, Ozaukee, and Sheboygan Counties to identify needs and deliver research-based solutions to help them meet their goals. The primary programming focus is these counties, but programming may extend to a broader geographical area. The position location is flexible within the region and will be determined based on programmatic needs, the successful candidate’s preferences, and availability of suitable space.

This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to meet program needs. Employees are expected to arrange their own transportation for in-state travel and must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation or comply with UW-Madison vehicle use requirements.

Physical requirements include the ability to walk on uneven ground during farm visits or field work, lift up to 25 pounds, and work outside in inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Extension colleagues to identify needs and develop and maintain robust, high-quality outreach education programs to address critical crop management issues facing Wisconsin producers.
• Develop and maintain expertise in crop production and management.
• Build trust-based relationships with stakeholders.
• Identify, promote, and maintain external partnerships to support outreach programs.
• Schedule and secure resources, and communicate logistics for outreach programs.
• Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to the Area Extension Director, Program Managers, County Partners, and relevant stakeholders through reporting and verbal updates.
• Deliver outreach program content and materials to community members.
• Research, develop, and facilitate outreach program content and materials.
• Develop and evaluate curriculum and programs, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and support on-farm research, including collaboration with growers and industry partners, implementing trials, collecting data, and sharing results.
• Assist with monitoring outreach program budget spending.
• Lead the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff, student, and community volunteers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to crop production and management (required).
• Master’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, using a variety of methods and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for in-state travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building diverse, collaborative partnerships to accomplish goals.
• Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated educational program development skills, including planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences.
• Experience communicating program impact and value to lay audiences and stakeholders.
• Understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpreting research data.
• Experience writing grants and establishing partnerships to leverage public and private funds.
• Demonstrated fiscal management skills.

About Extension

Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW–Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead, and serve, transforming lives and communities.

The UW-Madison Division of Extension Agriculture Institute addresses emerging issues related to Wisconsin’s agriculture and horticulture systems with research-based outreach to advance economically sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound practices.

The Agriculture Institute’s Crops and Soils Program works with row crop, forage, fruit, and vegetable producers to implement best practices for every aspect of the growing phase. The program provides timely resources and information to help crop producers and their agricultural consultants manage crops efficiently and profitably.

Pay

The minimum annual starting salary for this 12-month position is $62,000 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees in this position can expect benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurance and savings accounts; and retirement benefits. Learn more about benefits.