UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut, seeks applicants for a full-time Extension Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2) to provide administrative and programmatic support to the Vegetable and Hemp Extension Program. This position will perform farm scouting and consultations with growers, and report farm observations and data to Extension faculty in vegetable production to create extension publications. The incumbent will serve a wide variety of farmers statewide. The incumbent will be trained in scouting techniques, pheromone trap procedures, and soil sample collection, and then will work independently with support from the faculty as necessary. The incumbent will also receive EPA Worker Protection Standard training. Reporting to an Assistant Extension Educator in Vegetable Production, this position will work from Tolland County Extension Center to help extend the reach of the Vegetable and Hemp Extension Program to commercial vegetable and hemp growers in Connecticut.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform scouting and reporting of six or more farms on a weekly basis from April through September. This will include traveling to each farm, installing, and checking pheromone traps at the farms. It also includes collecting soil samples, bringing samples to the soil lab for analysis, and compiling the data for Extension publications such as Weekly Pest Alerts and factsheets.
• Consult with additional farmers to respond to their needs regarding identifying crop issues and sharing educational resources.
• Participate in weekly pest alert meetings (normally 1.5 hours on Wednesday mornings from April to September every year) consisting of vegetable specialists from multiple New England states reporting their findings and using that information in our weekly pest alerts.
• Assist in planning and implementing educational programs for Connecticut vegetable and hemp growers, such as conferences, workshops, and twilight meetings.
• Lead layout and design of Crop Talk, a quarterly newsletter for vegetable and fruit growers in Connecticut.
• Assist in writing new factsheets, updating existing ones, and writing newsletter articles on vegetable IPM-related topics.
• Use web pages, electronic communications, multimedia technologies, social media, and other emerging technologies to disseminate information to growers and stakeholders.
• Assist in the design and implementation of program evaluation protocols 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.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 3 years of experience in plant science or agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Demonstrated knowledge or experience with integrated pest management (IPM) principles, including the use of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to manage pests in a safe, effective, and environmentally responsible manner.
3. Demonstrated experience using a variety of social media platforms to engage with audiences.
4. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
5. Commitment to working with diverse audiences and practicing principles of DEI to ensure that all individuals feel valued, respected, and included.
6. Commitment to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
7. Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
8. Able to work outdoors for extended periods in adverse weather conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience conducting outreach activities, including developing and delivering educational programs and materials, and preparing extension publications and reports.
2. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing program evaluation protocols to measure the performance of outreach programs, including collecting and analyzing data from diverse stakeholder groups.
3. Ability to organize and facilitate meetings with small and large groups.
4. Demonstrated work ethic and ability to self-direct while working collaboratively.
5. Bilingual in Spanish, preferred.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. This position is located at the Tolland County Extension Center and requires frequent travel to serve a wide variety of farmers statewide. This position may be required to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed and must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in adverse weather conditions. The successful candidate will also receive EPA Worker Protection Standard training upon hire.

For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. 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 #498397 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional or work-related 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 pm EST on June 24, 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.

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.