UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut, seeks applicants for a part-time (55%/ 19.25 hours per week) Educational Program Assistant 2 to work at the Department of Extension – Tolland County Office in Vernon, CT. The Educational Program Assistant 2 will report to an Extension Educator in Food Systems based in the Tolland County Extension Center.

This position will perform customized technical assistance and group training to bolster farm business planning, financial management, access to grants and capital through established state and federal programs, and decision-making regarding investments in farm infrastructure. This position will also coordinate referrals and access to professional consultants on targeted farmers as the need arises for services such as legal entity documentation, business registrations, enterprise budgeting, grant writing, tax preparation, and legal lease agreements. The targeted audience is historically underserved new farm business owners who have operated a farm business for less than 10 years. (see USDA definition of Historically Underserved).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in planning and implementing one-on-one customized technical advising on farm business and management as well as educational programs for targeted farmers, such as workshops and webinars.
• Participate in bi-weekly Project Team meetings of the Increasing Secure Land Tenure and Farm Viability: Supporting Underserved Farmers with Long-Term Permanence in Connecticut Project, funded by USDA-FSA and led by CT Dept. of Agriculture. In this capacity, report to project partners on activities and progress in meeting the farm business and management needs of targeted farmers.
• Assist in the development of an intake system to screen targeted farmers, identify their farm business and management needs, and then implement a plan to provide coaching and technical assistance to the farmer.
• Develop a rubric and/or checklist for monitoring technical assistance and consulting delivery to targeted farmers.
• Develop and manage a roster of service providers and consultants that will be engaged on a case-by-case basis to support targeted farmers.
• Assist in development of design and implement program evaluation protocols to measure the performance of outreach and technical assistance, including collecting individual feedback from targeted farmers.
• Use web pages and digital communications to disseminate information to targeted farmers and stakeholders.
• Practice diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in plant science or agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Demonstrated knowledge or experience with farm business management.  
3. Knowledge of opportunities and challenges facing historically underserved farmers in the region.
4. Experience working with diverse audiences in agriculture-related professions.
5. Experience delivering one-on-one coaching to historically underserved farmers.
6. Experience coordinating and/or delivering workshop training for historically underserved farmers.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of agriculture service providers and programs in Connecticut.
8. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
9. Commitment to working with diverse audiences and practicing principles of DEI to ensure that all individuals feel valued, respected, and included.
10. Commitment to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
11. Have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience implementing Extension programs.
2. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing program evaluation protocols to measure the performance of outreach programs, including collecting and analyzing data from diverse stakeholder groups.
3. Strong public speaking skills.
4. Ability to organize and facilitate events with small and large groups.
5. Experience working with BIPOC-led agriculture service providers in the region.
6. Demonstrated work ethic and demonstrated ability to self-direct while working collaboratively.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a part-time (19.25 hours per week), end-dated position subject to annual renewal based on performance and available funding. The primary work location is the Department of Extension – Tolland County Office in Vernon, CT. This position may require you to travel and work irregular hours for programming events.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498451 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.  Your cover letter should address how you meet all of the minimum qualifications.  

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on July 7, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.