Assistant/Associate Agent, Agriculture (Phoenix, AZ)

The Assistant/Associate Area Agent, Agriculture is a faculty position that delivers research-based, objective, informal education to stakeholders in Maricopa and La Paz Counties. The Agent's extension program aims to tackle issues in commercial agriculture and field crops, such as agronomy, soil health, irrigation, and weed management.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The main assignments for this position are: 1) conduct an applied Field crops program in Maricopa and La Paz Counties, designed to address current and future agricultural production and related challenges, 2) work closely with University of Arizona faculty, agricultural industry, growers and agricultural professionals to address critical issues and to provide clientele with unbiased, research-based, updated information, and 3) Attending and participating in professional development training opportunities statewide, regionally and nationally to enhance experience in subject matter.
The Assistant/Associate Area agent position Field Crops will be the primary contact for extension education information, technology transfer and programming regarding Agronomy, soil health, irrigation, weed management and other issues related to commercial agriculture production in Maricopa and La Paz Counties. The position responsibilities include program leadership with the expectation of collaborative work with other state specialists, agents, industry representatives and producers. Using community needs and assets data, the Agent is expected to develop appropriate programmatic responses to clientele needs, seeks funding through a variety of grants and contracts, and conducts relevant applied research and delivers education programs.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

A. Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of national, Arizona, and county data, local resources, and historical information in order to identify community assets, program needs, outreach, and teaching opportunities.
• Identifies resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, etc.) to enhance programs.
• In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

B. Program Implementation

• Conducts creative programming and utilizes new technology that may include problem solving research, to address priority needs of the target audiences.
• Participates in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials and publicity information in support of state, county, and community initiatives.
• Functions as a resource for other agencies and organizations. Promotes interaction and cooperation among various groups.
• Disseminates educational materials through county-wide and/or multi-county events, workshops, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods, use of volunteers, and other methods.
• Promotes communication and teamwork with county and state Extension, other faculty and professionals.
• Promotes Cooperative Extension as the outreach arm of the state land-grant university.

C. Program Results

• Evaluates and documents results and impacts of educational programs.
• Communicates program results to both professional peers and clientele through periodic reports, scholarly works, and various types of publications (e.g., bulletins/fact sheets, popular articles, state publications, scientific articles, social media, video and computer programs).
• Counsels with the County Extension Director to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member.

D. Professionalism

• Maintains professional competence through study, participation in professional activities and the application of knowledge and skills on the job.
• Maintains high ethical and professional standards, and is loyal to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
• Promotes public understanding and support for Extension and University programs.
• Performs as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:

• Employee is frequently required to safely lift/move/transport up to 50 pounds.
• Employee may have to perform work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. Temperatures above 100 degrees for more than an hour.
• Employee may have to experience high levels of noise, vibration, hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals in a work setting.
• There is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids.
• Employee may be exposed to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Flexible Work Arrangements:

• Flexible schedule.

• A master's degree or an equivalent qualification in agriculture production, plant science, pest management, soil health, plant pathology, or a related field of study.
• Two years of applicable professional experience.
• Experience in identifying and obtaining grants, contracts and other financial resources to enhance programming.
• Experience in design, implementing, and evaluating educational programming.
• Experience in the subject matter of commercial agricultural production and field crops.
• Experience in working with various stakeholders and volunteers, possess self-confidence and self-efficacy, exhibit a positive view of others and their capabilities, be entrepreneurial, use good time management, show good judgement, and use sensitivity while working with peers and community members alike.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Program and personnel management experience.
• Experience planning programs and working with community engagement.