Horticulture Extension Agent, Johnson County
About This Role:
Johnson County, the most populated county in Kansas, is located in northeast Kansas within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. This position will serve as a community educator / facilitator addressing the needs of a growing and diverse suburban county related to small and diversified horticulture and agriculture needs. This position will work alongside the Extension Master Gardener network to support community gardens and the backyard producers. Johnson County is a multi-agent county with eight agents and ten support staff.
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to horticulture and small-scale farming for both consumer and commercial audiences. Programming will include but is not limited to: fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop production; small farm marketing, economics, and management; alternative cropping systems; high/low tunnels and greenhouses; horticultural waste management; small-scale farming education; and community outreach.
Duties/ Responsibilities:
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to horticulture and small-scale farming for both consumer and commercial audiences. Programming will include but is not limited to: fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop production; small farm marketing, economics, and management; alternative cropping systems; high/low tunnels and greenhouses; horticultural waste management; small-scale farming education; and community outreach.
- Provide support to the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program. Shared projects may include community gardens, fruit and vegetable demonstration gardens, and outreach programs.
- Successful extension programs require agents to:
- Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water & natural resources, community vitality, health, developing tomorrow’s leaders and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
- Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
- Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
- Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
- Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Horticulture Program Focus Team.
- Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
- Serve as a member of the Johnson County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
What You'll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
- Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
- Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
- Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
- Familiarity with various ethnic and socio-economic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State Research and Extension’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
- Skills in group facilitation.
- Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
- Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
- Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $43,000 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $47,000 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
- Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
- Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
- New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include both virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
- Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
- Resume
- Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
- Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)
Applications will be accepted until April 03, 2023.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.