Extension Educator - Ag & Natural Resources/Community Development - Cass County

Job Description:

Job Summary

Extension Educators provide the link between Land Grant University research and Indiana residents by creating innovative learning opportunities that address local issues. Dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for current and future residents, Educators collaborate with local, county and state agencies, partner organizations, businesses and schools to analyze needs, develop, implement and oversee vibrant and sustainable research based educational programs, and provide resources and expertise to the local community.

As the agricultural industry responds to the growing demands for food, fiber and fuel, Extension outreach is becoming more dynamic as it incorporates agriculture and natural resource based strategies into economic development plans and programs. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator builds partnerships with county and regional agencies, agricultural producers, landowners, agricultural organizations, homeowners, decision makers, and citizens interested in the science of agriculture. The ANR Educator serves as a key resource in agriculture and natural resources in their county, and has responsibility for developing and implementing comprehensive programming, which may include cropping systems, farm business/farm management, livestock systems, horticulture, agriculture economics, natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Community Development Extension Educator will provide leadership in the creation and implementation of a vibrant and sustainable educational and engagement program that is customized to the local area and positions with Purdue Extension as the Community Development leader. Programming will typically emphasize one or more of the following themes: entrepreneurship; economic and business development; planning and visioning; leadership and civic engagement; and/or community and public policy engagement. Responsibilities include the delivery of educational programs, workshops and technical services; the brokering of resources for community-based initiatives; building and sustaining local and regional partnerships; acquiring grants and leveraging resources; serving as the primary local contact for Purdue's university-wide engagement effort; working with the media; and facilitating teamwork.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Work with state and local advisory committees in conducting needs assessments to identify critically important issues
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming
• Ensure all efforts are made to reach diverse audiences and provide equitable access to programs and facilities
• Identify, recruit and develop the volunteer leadership necessary to help carry out the mission of Purdue Extension
• Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders within the community
• Quantify, communicate and promote the value of Extension education to key stakeholders, partners and decision-makers
• Develop and cultivate external funding sources to enhance educational programming
• Participate in and/or lead teams to enhance the scope and reach of Extension programming
• Other responsibilities as required
  
  

Extension Educator

What We're Looking For:

• Master's degree
• Experience in farm management, commercial agriculture, livestock production, horticulture history, or another ag-related field and community based educational program development, implementation, and evaluation and/or experience in an urban environment
• In Lieu of degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required experience (Bachelor's degree 2 years of experience)
• Experiences or leadership with taskforces and community coalitions or equivalents
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines
• Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing and making reports, presentations, data analysis and retrieval, email and internet applications
• Knowledge of basic educational methods and the ability to effectively communicate/teach program specific material
• Strong communication, leadership, mentoring, teamwork and group process skills
• Flexibility and creativity in the workplace
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Travel
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
  
  

Senior Extension Educator

What We're Looking For:

• Master's degree
• 2 years of experience in farm management, commercial agriculture, livestock production, horticulture history, or another ag-related field and community based educational program development, implementation, and evaluation and/or experience in an urban environment
• In lieu of degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required experience (Bachelor's degree 4 years of experience)
• Experiences or leadership with taskforces and community coalitions or equivalents
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines
• Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing and making reports, presentations, data analysis and retrieval, email and internet applications
• Knowledge of basic educational methods and the ability to effectively communicate/teach program specific material
• Strong communication, leadership, mentoring, teamwork and group process skills
• Flexibility and creativity in the workplace
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Travel
• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
  
  

What We'd Like You To Know:

• This position will be filled as an Extension Educator or as a Senior Extension Educator. The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.
• This position will be 60% ANR and 40% Community Development
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A valid driver’s license is required for all Extension Educator positions
• A background check and MVR check is required for employment in this position
• Travel using personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) and evening and weekend work is an integral part of this position
• Please attach the names and email addresses of at least three (3) references. As the application review process moves forward, an e-Reference form may be sent to the references for completion
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EO/EA University.
  
  

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

Career Stream

Professional 2 or 3

P2

Pay Band S060

Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

Job Code #20002655

Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

P3

Pay Band S065

Link to Purdue University's compensation guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

Job Code #20002656

Link to Career Path Maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

• Effective August 1, Purdue implemented a new background screen policy: any internal transfer will receive a new background screen if one has not been run within the last year.
  
  

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EO:

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.