UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, seeks applicants for two (2) part-time (one 50% and one 75%) Food Systems Outreach Assistants (Educational Program Assistant 2), to support the Solid Ground Farmer Training Program, Grown Connected marketing campaign, Put Local On Your Tray Program, as well as future initiatives that link novice farmers to strategies that help them support sustainable food systems. Under the general supervision of the Tolland County Extension Educator in Food Systems, these positions will perform programmatic support for Extension outreach and education targeting food system stakeholders, including institutions that buy locally grown food and growers with less than 10 years of farming experience.

The incumbent(s) will support the delivery of training and technical assistance across multiple grant-funded projects. They will assist with developing and managing digital program materials and will generate content for relevant communication platforms (websites, listservs, and social media) that are necessary for Extension outreach. The incumbent(s) will assist in building stakeholder networks and delivering services while presenting work on a weekly basis to the supervisor for feedback and direction. In addition to their outreach duties, they will provide limited administrative support to the supervisor toward grant management (e.g. progress reporting, tracking expenditures, meeting deliverables and timelines).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Assist with planning technical assistance and training events for food system stakeholders as required by formal Extension programs.
• Assist with the delivery of technical assistance and training on a weekly basis to target audiences.
• Communicate with food system stakeholders to disseminate information about upcoming learning events and opportunities. Assist with generating content for web pages and social media for further dissemination of information.
• Participate in weekly project team meetings (up to 3 hours per week) to plan Extension outreach programs for stakeholders, such as conferences, workshops, and twilight meetings.
• Provide event coordination support at in-person educational events through tabling, registration check-in, signage, filming, and distribution of evaluations.
• Develop learning materials (fact sheets, posters, videos, and/or presentations) on topics relevant to food system stakeholders. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to direct-to-consumer marketing, farm-to-school, and beginning farmer training in production and farm management.
• Conduct in-person visits with program participants to document their activities (photo/video) and identify needs for training and educational resources.
• Support the implementation of program evaluation to measure the performance of Extension outreach programs, including collecting feedback from diverse stakeholder groups to inform the development of future programs.
• Practice diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus 2 to 3 years of experience in food and agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Demonstrated understanding of challenges and opportunities facing small-scale agriculture in the Northeast region.
3. Experience and demonstrated skill in project management, including planning, logistics, marketing, implementation, and evaluation.
4. Ability to organize and facilitate events with small and large groups.
5. Experience implementing strategies to engage and inspire adult learners.
6. Experience working with diverse audiences.
7. Excellent organizational skills.
8. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
9. Willing and able to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
10. Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
11. Willing and able to work outdoors for extended periods in adverse weather conditions during events. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bilingual, Spanish preferred.
2. Demonstrated experience in implementing program evaluation protocols to measure the performance of outreach programs, including collecting and analyzing data from diverse stakeholder groups.
3. Experience managing requests for accessibility accommodations.  
4. Leadership training or experience in food systems in Connecticut or the Northeast region.
5. Experience writing progress reports for federal and state grants.
6. Demonstrated strong work ethic; ability to self-direct while working collaboratively.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

These are 12-month, part-time, durational positions. Renewal of the appointments are contingent upon annual performance evaluations and available funding. Position 1 will be 50% (17.5 hours per week) and Position 2 will be 75% (26.25 hours per week). For more information about the UConn Department of Extension, please refer to our website: https://cahnr.uconn.edu/extension/.

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 #498842 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 4, 2025. 

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.