Title: Extension Educator, Small Farms/Local Foods

Classification: Assistant Extension Educator, Job Code 9625ST

Appointment: Full-time (100% time), Funded by Stearns, Benton, Morrison, & Sherburne Counties

Salary: Estimated salary range $52,000 - $55,000

Extension Dept: Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: Flexible County Locations: Stearns (St. Cloud), Benton (Foley), Morrison (Little Falls) or Sherburn (Elk River)

Apply By: May 27, 2024

ABOUT THE COUNTIES

Stearns, Benton, Morrison, and Sherburne Counties are located in Central Minnesota. Major cities include St. Cloud, Foley, Little Falls, and Elk River. Little Falls is located on the Mississippi River in Morrison County, near the geographic center of the state.

This position is a part of a team of Extension educators that also includes a livestock educator, a horticulture educator, and a sustainable agriculture and natural resources educator. All four counties collectively fund these four positions; it is expected that the Small Farms/Local Foods Extension educator will participate as a team member with the other educators.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Interest in growing food in small scale settings continues to grow rapidly. Small farms is a broad term that refers to activities including: small-scale commercial fruit and vegetable production, rooftop gardening, utilization of greenhouses, aquaponics, etc. The University is looking for candidates with skills and experience in: engaging stakeholders in small farms/local foods; developing and strengthening networks; and teaching and facilitating informal educational agricultural programs that are relevant to Stearns, Benton, Morrison, and Sherburne counties. This support will involve local program development, delivery, marketing, evaluation, coordination of logistics and possibly participation in scholarly research. The educational programs holistically will address the issues of small-scale crop/food production with attention to environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This position also will be responsible for determining local needs involving programming and will provide technical assistance and expertise.

The position will focus on start-up and existing producers/growers who employ commercial agriculture or growing practices in a small-scale environment to either generate revenue or to share their product with others. The educator will serve as a resource for knowledge and technical information regarding small farming enterprises.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to new and future programs that support and enhance the production and economic development of small farms in all four counties.

THIS POSITION WILL:

1. Provide research-based small scale agriculture resources, education, and support.
2. Build relationships with agricultural and commercial horticulture professionals to foster educational efforts and economic development.
3. Provide relevant education and support to small farm agriculture in the four counties.
4. Design/conduct educational programs and make them accessible and inviting to emerging farmers.
5. Provide technical assistance and expertise in small farms/local foods, with an emphasis on agricultural business management.
6. Communicate effectively and positively with colleagues and stakeholders about the work.

JOB DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Design, develop, deliver/implement, and evaluate local educational programs for small growers/producers based on local needs and expectations, developing and maintaining effective county, regional, University and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Engage with producers, agricultural professionals, and stakeholders to build rapport and working relationships to benefit educational efforts.
• Utilize numerous delivery methods to teach about small farm issues that are important to maintaining the viability, profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations in all four counties.
• Adapt Extension programs for audiences with a range of knowledge, background, and cultures.
• Work in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), county environmental and land management services, and agricultural and natural resources professional organizations to provide educational programs relevant to the counties.
• Engage with Minnesota Farmers' Market Association, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MFVGA), Sustainable Farming Association (SFA), Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups, etc.
• Provide Extension and university resources in partnership with local foods and small farms groups.
• Provide technical assistance and information related to small farms/local foods based on local needs and expectations.
• Ensure that Extension programs, facilities, committees, and employment opportunities are accessible to new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences.
• Grow as a professional through publication, attendance at conferences, self-directed study and other means.
• Document professional performance using the annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion for educators without rank.

APPOINTMENT/BENEFITS

1. This is a full time 1.0 FTE, annual University academic professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Educator (9625ST). The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of county funds, and program needs.
2. Internal promotion is available and meeting the promotion policy criteria to achieve promotion is expected.
3. A full University of Minnesota benefits package is available:
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary commensurate with education and experience; estimated starting salary range $52,000 - $55,000.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (by start date of position) in an agriculture related discipline, i.e., agronomy, soils, livestock production, horticulture, agricultural economics, agriculture education, environmental science, biology and/or other closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of small-scale farming, including financial/business strategies.
• Demonstrated strong English oral and written communication skills.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Skilled in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Master's degree; preferably in an agriculture or natural resources related discipline.
• Experience developing and delivering informal education programs in agriculture or horticulture.
• Experience using technology for communication, information finding, teaching, and reporting.
• Experience using distance technologies and social media to market and deliver educational programming.
• Ability to engage in web-based communication, education, and training.
• Ability to articulate the public value of educational programming in agriculture and commercial horticulture.
• Previous experience as an Extension professional or other educationally related position.
• Experience related to one or more of the following topics: vegetable production, fruit production, or beginning farmer training.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance.
• Ability to work regularly at dedicated/assigned Extension offices.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number, that number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 20 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely, as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Sarah Chur, Program Leader, Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources, .

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: .

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.