What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Assistant (Part-Time) position at Central State University?
Job Summary:
Technical/ Program Assistant is a grant-funded position supporting the NRCS Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) project. This position will help with implementing vegetable production systems with the cooperating farmers, assist with the measurements, monitoring, verification. Core responsibilities include supporting field operations, collecting and processing samples, data collection and management, engaging with producers, and contributing to basic outreach and marketing activities under team guidance. This position requires strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to interact effectively with both rural and urban farmers. Statewide travel is required.
This position is expected to continue through October 31, 2028, contingent upon annual review and federal funding renewal.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Field Implementation, Sampling, and Data Management
Technical/ Program Assistant is a grant-funded position supporting the NRCS Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) project. This position will help with implementing vegetable production systems with the cooperating farmers, assist with the measurements, monitoring, verification. Core responsibilities include supporting field operations, collecting and processing samples, data collection and management, engaging with producers, and contributing to basic outreach and marketing activities under team guidance. This position requires strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to interact effectively with both rural and urban farmers. Statewide travel is required.
This position is expected to continue through October 31, 2028, contingent upon annual review and federal funding renewal.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Field Implementation, Sampling, and Data Management
- Assist in establishing and maintaining farmer field studies and demonstration plots, including layout, tagging, signage, mapping, planting, scouting, and other field operations following project protocols.
- Support in collecting and processing soil, plant, and manure samples; recording field measurements; maintaining data logs; and summarizing field activities for internal reporting.
- Help distribute, track, and manage project supplies, materials, and equipment.
Producer Support and Outreach
- Support producer engagement activities, including field days, demonstrations, trainings, and cohort meetings.
- Provide basic on-site technical assistance to farmers and document production practices as needed.
- Assist with simple outreach materials—photos, short write-ups, flyers—and help gather marketing-related information, such as sales logs and buyer contacts.
Teamwork, Coordination, and Safety
- Collaborate with the Nutrient Management Specialist and Coordinator, and Extension Educator to achieve project objectives.
- Work with and help guide student assistants during field and lab activities.
- Follow all safety procedures and maintain professional communication with farmers, colleagues, and partners.
- Perform additional duties as needed to support AMP project activities.
- Associate degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a related field; or equivalent hands-on or specialty-crop agricultural experience.
- Ability to work effectively with both urban and rural farmers.
- Ability to work independently, manage time well, and assist with supervision of student workers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and willingness to work a flexible schedule (some evenings/weekends).
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, or a related field.
- Experience in crop production, plant nutrients, irrigation, pest management, or marketing support.
- Experience working with small‑scale vegetable and row‑crop producers.
- Familiarity with NRCS conservation practices and agricultural programs.
- Experience in extension, applied research, or community-based agricultural programs.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience