Climate Smart Extension Agent

Job description

SC State University Public Service and Agriculture (1890 Research and Extension) is seeking to hire an Extension Agents for the Climate-Smart Agriculture project. The Extension Agents will be part of a multi-disciplinary research group consisting of the project management and leadership team, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate/undergraduate students, and SC State 1890 extension agents.

Job Function

The Climate-Smart Agriculture Extension Agent is an educator, information provider, needs assessor, problem-solving resource for clientele, and networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, extension agents and agency representatives. Climate-Smart Extension Agent will serve as program assistant in the implementation of SC State Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership project. The Extension Agents will assist underserved, socially disadvantaged producers/farmers enrolled into the project from across the state of South Carolina. This position reports to the Climate-Smart Project Director.

Essential/Specific Job Duties

· Facilitate, coordinate, and participate in the recruitment and enrollment of producers/ farmers into the Climate-Smart project.

· Conduct interest meetings and information sessions to recruit and enroll farmer/producers.

· Ensure effective communication and implementation of Climate-Smart project.

· Assist project management and leadership teams in implementing project goals and objectives especially field activities/operations.

· Assist in identifying and addressing participating farmers’ needs/interests and develop and implement strategies and activities to address the expectations of the project.

· Coordinate and schedule field visits for postdocs, research technicians, and graduate students, and perform periodic farm visits for data collection and verification of conservation practices.

· Maintain contact with participating project farmers through farm visits and assist with program delivery and implementation.

· Attend trainings and disseminate information to the project leadership and the broader climate-smart community of stakeholders.

· Maintain complete and accurate individualized producer/farmer folder of records and reports.

· Visit enrolled farmers on an established project scheduled for data collection and verification.

· Assist in development of training modules for on-farm climate-smart agriculture practices.

· Provide educational information trainings to enrolled climate-Smart producer/farmers.

· Assist in preparing and conducting workshops/training on climate-smart commodities production techniques and marketing strategies.

· Plan, prepare and submit weekly schedules to program coordinator.

· Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports.

· Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly management meetings, and other climate-smart activities, meetings, and events.

· Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications

Applicant should have at least minimal knowledge of extension/outreach services, experience working in underserved communities and limited resource farmers. Preferred candidate should be knowledgeable about leafy greens (vegetable) production, possess inter-personal skills, and can function in high performing systems and team dynamics. The job requires extensive local, regional, and statewide travels.

Minimum requirements

Individual should possess at the (a) minimum, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related area with five (5) years of satisfactory professional job-related experience in agriculture related areas. Preferably, the individual should possess a master’s in agriculture or related area with at least three (3) years of satisfactory professional job-related experience in agriculture related areas.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position

· Ability to recruit and enroll and provide technical assistance to farmers with confidence, make decisions and be dependable.

· Provide courteous and responsive service to underserved, limited resources farmers as well as professionals.

· Planning and organizing, written and oral communication skills, teaching, and presentation skills.

· Ability to utilize technology and social media for the delivery of programs.

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.

South Carolina State University is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff and applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Orangeburg, SC 29117 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Orangeburg, SC 29117: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person