Sunday, September 13, 2015

Urban Agriculture Specialist, Baltimore, MD

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Agent

Functional Title: Agent (Urban Agriculture Specialist)

Position Number: 103415

Category Status: Faculty Non-Tenured, On Track, Full-Time

Unit:  AGNR-UME-Baltimore City (Statewide responsibilities, to specifically include: Baltimore City, Annapolis and the urban counties of Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s)

 Location: 6615 Reisterstown Road • Suite 201 • Baltimore, MD 21215 (Home Office)

 Purpose:

The Urban Agriculture Educator is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension educational programs for Maryland urban and suburban communities and residents. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to urban agriculture and food systems including production, harvesting, packaging, marketing, food safety, and other sustainability issues. The Educator will facilitate partnerships with local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, residents, industry and environmental groups in developing economic urban farming opportunities while protecting, as well as advocating for a science-based and responsible approach to handling the state’s natural resources.

 Responsibilities:

•          Identify urban agriculture and food system needs, issues, and opportunities of communities in Maryland, specifically Baltimore City, Annapolis and the urban counties of Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s.

•          Teach targeted audiences new urban farming practices, procedures, techniques and skills that will ultimately result in positive behavioral and/or practice change over time.

•          Provide expertise and support for sustainable urban agricultural practices in field and greenhouse operations throughout Maryland.

•          Serve as a Core Member on the Agriculture and Food Systems Focus Team, working collaboratively with UME Action Teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs, as well as how and where they need to be implemented across the state

•          Establish a subject matter expertise in urban agriculture and lead appropriate applied and problem-solving research in that area.

•          Interpret and disseminate the latest research findings in the fields relevant to the position utilizing publications and state of the art education and communication techniques.

Qualifications:
Required–

•          Ph.D. in agricultural or horticultural sciences or related field of studies.

•          Background in area of agriculture and natural resource economics, agriculture production and technologies, and basic business and marketing.

•          Possess knowledge of sustainable farming practices that includes: integrated pest management (IPM), high tunnel and greenhouse production, plasticulture systems, soil fertility, irrigation, and the harvesting and handling of safe produce under GAP protocol.

•          Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with volunteers and diverse clientele.

•          Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland as needed.
•          Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.

•          Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.

•          Evidence of excellent teaching & communication skills.

•          The successful candidate is required to obtain a clear background check by the State of Maryland and the FBI.

Preferences–

•          Extension or similar work experience.

•          Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences in all socioeconomic levels.


Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. Base $58,450 The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.


Applications:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, official transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and E-mail address.

Closing Date:  September 30, 2015 or until an acceptable candidate is identified.