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:
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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:
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: .
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