Extension Educator, Urban Agriculture & Natural Resources

Position Details

Req ID:

req17123

Position Title:

Extension Educator, Urban Agriculture & Natural Resources

Position Type:

Staff Full-Time

Position Number:

CS9955

OSU Campus:

Cooperative Extension

Department:

Oklahoma County Ext Center

Location Address:

2500 NE 63rd

Oklahoma City, OK, 73111

Hiring Supervisor:

Claude Bess

Hiring Range:

(Contingent upon available funding):

0.00 - 0.00, Commensurate with education and experience

Work Schedule:

Work schedule to be determined by supervisor.

Faculty Appt Period:

Job Summary:

About Us: Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension educators are the "front door" to the University, providing a link between OSU and the people of the state in all 77 Oklahoma counties.

OSU Extension represents a federal, state, and county partnership working since 1914. The mission of OSU Extension is to disseminate information to the people of Oklahoma and encourage the adoption of research-generated knowledge. Extension educators provide research-based information to clientele in the areas of agriculture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community and rural development.

Explore a career with the Oklahoma Extension. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans!

Who Are We: https://extension.okstate.edu/about-us.html

Why OSU Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/extension-careers.html

OSU Agriculture: https://agdivision.okstate.edu/

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

Position Details: Extension Educators provide the link between Land Grant University research and the citizens of Oklahoma by creating innovative learning opportunities that address local issues.

Dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for current and future residents, Educators collaborate with local, county and state agencies, partner organizations, businesses and schools to analyze needs, develop, implement and oversee vibrant and sustainable research based educational programs, and provide resources and expertise to the local community. As the agricultural industry responds to the growing demands for food, fiber and fuel, Extension outreach is becoming more dynamic as it incorporates agriculture and natural resource based strategies into economic development plans and programs.

The Extension Educator, Urban Agriculture & Natural Resources builds partnerships and strengthens linkages with county and regional agencies, agricultural organizations, decision makers, homeowners, and residents interested in the science of urban agriculture.

The Urban Agriculture Educator serves as a key resource in local food systems and sustainability related efforts in Oklahoma County, and has responsibility for developing and implementing contemporary, comprehensive programming, which may include local food systems, food and agriculture literacy, water conservation and quality, environmental stewardship and urban ecology, integrated pest management, and small farm production and management. Participates as a cohesive team member to involve local clientele and advisory groups to plan, implement, and evaluate the total Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) county program. Extension educators comply with all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, etc., related to equal opportunity, civil rights, and affirmative action.

The educator will:

Work with state and local advisory committees in conducting needs assessments to identify critically important issues.

Collaborate with other county educators, area & state specialists to develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming. Ensure all efforts are made to reach diverse audiences and provide equitable access to programs and facilities.

Identify, recruit and develop the volunteer leadership necessary to help carry out the mission of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders within the community.

Quantify, communicate and promote the value of Extension education to key stakeholders, partners and decision-makers.

Develop and cultivate external funding sources to enhance educational programming.

Participate in and/or lead teams to enhance the scope and reach of Extension programming.

• Other responsibilities as required.

Base annual salary for entry level educators who have a bachelor's degree is $37,000; a master's degree is $41,000. Starting salary is based upon education and prior relevant work experience.

Extension educators hired with only a bachelor's degree are encouraged to work toward completion of an approved master's degree.

Continuation of employment is based upon need, performance and available county funding.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing their experience and expertise related to the position's goals and required qualifications, 2) resume, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) copy of college transcript showing degree deferral.

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree; Agriculture or closely related field.

No experience required. Starting salary is based upon education and prior relevant work experience.

Ability to work collaboratively with others in and out of office environment.

*Demonstrated strong teamwork skills including building and adding to a positive team environment.

Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing and making reports, presentations, data analysis and retrieval, email and internet applications.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of basic educational methods and the ability to effectively communicate/teach program specific material.

• Ability to work with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

• Strong communication, leadership, mentoring, teamwork and group process skills.

• Flexibility and creativity in the workplace

Valid Drivers License. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.

Demonstrated ability to listen and communicate effectively, and to foster a professional image of OSU Extension by displaying a positive view of the organization both internally and externally.

Must possess strong writing, communication and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability to adapt well to changing priorities, situations and day-to-day demands.

Demonstrated ability and willingness to effectively manage time and resources. Commitment to continue personal professional development.

Evidence of ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with clientele, advisory groups, volunteer leaders and other professionals, etc.

Demonstrated competency and effective use of computing and computer-based communications technology.

Demonstrated leadership ability in designing, promoting, presenting and evaluating educational programs and the desire to program to reach diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree;

Experience working with urban audiences preferred. Success in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences in community, non-formal education programs is desired. Previous experience in Cooperative Extension or closely related work is desirable.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.