Position Number: 103614
Title: Agent Associate
Functional Title: Agent Associate (Agronomy)
Category Status: 15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing Con
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 1.0
Unit: AGNR-UME-Frederick

Campus/College Information:

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. A prior criminal conviction or convictions will not automatically disqualify a finalist from employment in the position.

Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

This position is located in the University of Maryland Extension office in Frederick County, Maryland.

The position will work in support of the Frederick County Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Program.  The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for agronomic crops, small farm and alternative agriculture, marketing and farm business development in Frederick County, and in collaboration with Extension faculty in the Central Cluster.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS Degree in agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, applied plant science, agricultural business or related field and some experience in agricultural rural development or agri-business.
• Three years’ experience of demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with farm producers and community leaders.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Plant diagnostic skills, such as identifying insects and diseases.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Cluster, as well as the state of Maryland as needed.
• Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• Must become a certified Maryland nutrient management advisor/consultant and obtain a commercial pesticide applicators license in category-10 public agency.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:

• M.S. Degree in agriculture education, agronomy, animal science, horticulture, applied plant science, agricultural business or related field.
• Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education.
• Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the UME Agriculture and Food Systems Action Teams to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agronomic crop production, small scale farming and alternative agriculture enterprises to provide educational opportunities for clientele related to agricultural production, agricultural economics, and marketing in Frederick County, and the Central Cluster.
• Deliver programs in crop production, farm management, integrated pest management, pesticide safety and handling, livestock and forage production, nutrient management, financial management and natural resource conservation for agricultural producers in Frederick County.
• Provide training and recertification opportunities for certified private pesticide applicators and nutrient management voucher holders.
• Develop Extension programs that improve the financial viability of small farms through co-operative development, grain marketing clubs, sustainable agriculture initiatives, community organization, and continuing education for small farm producers.
• Work collaboratively with the Frederick County Economic Development office to develop, implement, and evaluate rural economic development initiatives including, but not limited to: agri-tourism, wholesale markets, direct marketing, and value-added projects.
• Preparation of information for the media, which includes contributing a weekly news article to the Frederick News-Post Agriculture Section.
• Remain current in assigned subject matter areas and participate in relevant professional improvement opportunities.
  Develop and implement Extension program marketing and public relations activities.
• Develop grant funded projects to enhance/expand educational programs.
• Develop strong relationships with local agriculture organizations; includes attendance/participation at Frederick Soil Conservation District meetings, as required.
• Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as: educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension publications, participation in applied research, conference posters, professional presentations, etc.
• Serve as a consultant to county government on the issues of land use, planning, and agriculture and food systems issues.
  Serve on county/city and regional agricultural focused committees.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience; Bachelor’s base: $39,830; Master’s base: $41,642. Position is a full-time, 12-month professional track faculty position. Annual contract, renewed annually pending performance and continued funding. The University of Maryland offers benefits.

Application:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes: a cover letter, resume or CV, contact information for three (3) professional references, and copies of transcript.

Posting Date: 12/13/2021
Closing Date: Open Until Filled, Best Consideration Date 01/15/2022

Physical Demands
This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels. Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Cluster, as well as the state of Maryland as needed.

The employee will frequently lift and/or move items, set-up, and teardown displays, tables, and chairs at many teaching sites.  Able to lift 50 lbs.
Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year. Able to traverse farm fields and uneven terrain.

Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, List of References (no emails sent from system)

Optional Documents: Curriculum Vitae