Extension Educator, Poultry

Required

Candidates must meet and document all required qualifications in application materials.

• M.S. degree in animal science, poultry science, agriculture engineering, or a closely related field.
• One year of full-time, post–bachelor’s professional experience related to poultry production and management.
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating poultry-related educational programs.
• Using technology in an educational programming setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and diverse communities.

Additional Requirements

• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement are provided according to University policies. Includes occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• This position will need to be able to traverse outdoor fields, farms, livestock and poultry facilities in a wide range of weather conditions.
• This position will be exposed to a diversity of livestock and poultry, farm and related equipment, occasional loud noises and dusty conditions, and a variety of facilities, elements, and conditions as they relate to this work.
• This position includes working in diverse agricultural settings and requires the ability to navigate outdoor fields, farms, and livestock and poultry facilities in a full spectrum of weather conditions. The successful candidate will be regularly exposed to various livestock and poultry, agricultural equipment, and environmental factors such as dust, noise, and odors.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs. routinely and 40 lbs. rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, and frequent repetitive motions
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred

• Three years’ professional experience may include graduate study period, in a field related to poultry production and management.
• Designing, conducting, and/or collaborating in research projects.
• Experience with emergency response.
• Skills in media relations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, and government agencies.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse and underserved audiences.

Working Title: Extension Educator, Poultry

Appointment: Full-time, annually renewable, P&A, Assistant Extension Professor- Production Agriculture (9624PA)

Estimated Salary: $68,000-78,000 annually

Program Area: Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: Extension Regional Office (some locations may not be available, to be negotiated at time of offer.) Hybrid work options may be available.

Apply By: October 17, 2025

About the Position

The Extension Educator, Poultry, will provide leadership in delivering cutting edge educational programs, including development, delivery, marketing, and evaluation throughout the state. This position is expected to be knowledgeable of local/federal/state agency programs that affect commercial poultry production and to interact with those agencies. The primary audience for this position will be poultry producers, processors, and industry professionals.

Focus will be on educational programming and field research regarding biosecurity and supporting the response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other diseases as they arise. Interactions and collaborations with UMN faculty and other researchers across disciplines, departments and colleges are expected. Consequently, the successful candidate must have the background and ability to address a wide range of disciplines and issues related to poultry production. This individual should be self-motivated, enjoy working independently as well as in a team environment, and be effective in communicating with producers as well as colleagues and industry and government professionals.

Responsibilities and Performance Expectations

Program Leadership and Development (70%)

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs to address needs which are appropriate to poultry audiences state-wide.
• Report on programmatic impacts and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders.
• Publish and disseminate educational programs and lead curriculum development that advances health, biosecurity, and disease response.
• Provide research-based programs and information using a variety of technologies and platforms to optimize effectiveness consistent with the intended audience’s learning styles.
• Share research findings through in-person Extension programs, conferences, newsletters, websites, social media posts, podcasts, and professional and industry meetings.
• Work with and develop programs for diverse audiences.
• Participate in UMN Extension, professional, and community service opportunities.

Scholarship (20%)

• Participate in grant writing and other opportunities to secure funding.
• Help secure external funding through grants, strategic alliances, and donations to support the growth of poultry programs that address health, biosecurity, and disease response.
• Develop and sustain a portfolio of applied research and other scholarly activities to meet the needs of the poultry industry with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators.

Partnerships and Collaborations (10%)

• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, state, and national partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs, especially related to responding to HPAI and other diseases.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

In the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR), we work with purpose to deliver research-based programming that improves lives, environments and the communities in which we live and work. We value engagement, inclusion, discovery, integrity, growth, and balance.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Diane DeWitte, search chair, stouf002@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).