University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established to provide world-class education, pioneer research and discovery, and put learning and discovery into practice to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission.

About the Role

The Extension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Responsibilities

• Focus on Local Food Systems within community-based production settings.
• Collaborate with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators.
• Build networks among groups of those focused on local food production for emerging audiences.
• Provide research-based information and educational programs for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver programs in:
  • Fruit and vegetable production
  • Food marketing initiatives
  • Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
  • School and community gardens
  • Integrated pest management
• Build networks and increase collaboration with agriculture stakeholders.

Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner, including networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs and mesh with broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high-impact programs to all audiences using innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness.
• Guide program expansion and quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion, focusing on both short-term and long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele, including evolving electronic technologies (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill relevant grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other operational items.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators, and Extension Council Members.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.

Scholarship

• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming.
• Partner with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives.
• Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Requirements

• Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis is required from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors include, but are not limited to, agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, or weed science. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Informal and/or formal teaching experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience with agriculture.
• Work experiences with agriculture research and/or demonstration.
• Ability to organize, manage, and conduct educational activities for adult audiences.
• Knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain networks.

Additional Information

• One full-time position is available. Location: Unit 26 – Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson Counties (Position will be housed in Perry or Jackson County). Additional positions may become available in other locations.
• This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground.
• In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer, and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing, and pulling movements.
• Work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.
• The Extension Educator is administratively responsible to the County Director and programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $59,000 to $82,000. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints.

Benefits

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security.