Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent (Home Horticulture)

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Regional Extension Agent (Home Horticulture) Posting Number P1555F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians.

The Alabama Cooperative ExtensionSystem is seeking qualified applications for a Regional Extension Agent (REA) to serve on the Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Program Priority Team. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

Reasons you'll love working as a Regional Extension Agent at ACES - Auburn:

• Job Satisfaction! Be a part of life-changing work in your communities!

• Competitive retirement plan and benefits.

• Generous leave (including two weeks off during the holidays!)

• Fun, flexible & diverse work environment. Every day is different!

• Auburn University tuition assistance for yourself and dependents.

• Supportive leadership & peers. The ACES team supports you and your work!

This position is a 100% non-tenure track faculty Extension assignment serving Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Wilcox Counties. The Agent will be housed in one of the counties served.

Responsibilities: Programming from this team is diverse, covering training opportunities for green industry professionals, and for gardeners/homeowners. Green industry programs can include athletic field management, pesticide safety training, and irrigation.

Home horticulture can include backyard fruit, nut and vegetable culture, lawn and ornamental installation and maintenance, water quality, waste management, and pest management. All of these must promote best management practices and the appropriate use of all pest management products.

The Regional Extension Agent (REA) will utilize all available technologies in their educational outreach as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters and workshops/group meetings. Related to home horticulture, the Master Gardener volunteer program is a responsibility of this team. REA's coordinate volunteer training classes and guide volunteer efforts in public outreach. Designing and participating in applied research/demonstration with other agents and Specialists benefits both green industry and non-commercial audiences. All REAs are expected to support the team's program impact evaluations each year. All REAs are expected to participate in regional and state horticulture associations, developing their reputation as educational leaders with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Team Descriptions: The Home Grounds team includes Regional Extension Agents (REAs), Urban Regional Extension Agents (UREAs), County Extension Coordinators (CECs), and Extension Specialists. The REA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the REA will partner with other REAs and the region's CECs to provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the team's programs conducted in the region.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science or related field.

The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in planning and delivering educational programs in residential horticulture related to plant/pest management, and should have practical knowledge of horticultural and environmental best management practices in ornamental and fruit/vegetable crops. Candidates must demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups representing diverse clientele.

Successful applicants must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to respectfully self-motivate their daily priorities. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

Desired Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field with at least two years of relevant work experience OR a Master's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field.

Experience recruiting, teaching, and leading volunteers to deliver horticulture related programs is highly valued.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Minimum Starting Salary

$43,860 for a Bachelor's Degree

$47,860 for a Master's Degree

Salary will be commensurate with relevant, professional work experience.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date 12/14/2023 Close Date 08/11/2024 EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Open Until Filled No References required for this position? Yes If yes, minimum number requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Advertisement/Publication

• Website

• Public Job Posting (auemployment.com site)

• Academic Conference

• Agency Referral

• Internal Job Posting

• Personal Referral

• Veterans Assistance Services (Veteran Job Boards, Military Base Services, State Vet Rep, etc.)

• Disability Assistance Services (Disability Job Boards, ABLE Network, Voc-Rehab referral, etc.)

• Other

• Please enter the specifics of the option you selected above:

(Open Ended Question)

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Transcripts

• Resume

Optional Documents