Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation • Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases. • Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups. • Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives. • Deliver high impact programs to varied audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate. • Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area. • Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise. • Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices. • Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.). • Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.). • Serve as a content expert for educational efforts within specialty crops (fruits and vegetables) application for commercial agriculture.
• Organizational Leadership and Development
  • Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
  • Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact.
  • Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
  • Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the Director of Extension.
  • Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
  • Lead teams as appropriate for systematically carrying out the deliverables of the program.
  • Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.
• Scholarship • Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives. • Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within discipline. • Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area. • Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs to improve quality. • Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers. • Seek internal and external resources to enhance innovative high-impact educational programs.
  Other Information • Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements. • Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.