EXTENSION EDUCATOR, Cropping Systems

Title:    Extension Educator, (EE) Crops Program Area
Program Area:    Extension Center for Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (EFANS)
Location:    Extension Regional Office in Morris, Minnesota
Interview Location:    Morris

Initial Deadline:    11/14/08 or until an acceptable candidate is identified.

ABOUT EXTENSION
The University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension is: "Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota." More information about Extension can be found at http://www.extension.umn.edu/mnext.html

LOCATION OF POSITION
This full-time Extension Educator-Crops position will be housed at the Extension Regional Office in Morris. This position addresses regional extension programming needs, and incorporates some state-wide responsibilities.

BACKGROUND
Minnesota encompasses very diverse cropping systems. Top commodity crops in the state are soybeans, corn, sugar beets, small grains and forages. Minnesota is also a leading producer of specialty, alternative and energy crops. Bioenergy crops have attracted national interest as sources of renewable energy that may provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.  Minnesota has been a national leader in the development of renewable biofuel (ethanol) production from corn. The Department of Energy has identified cellulosic crop residues and dedicated crops as the next generation fuel sources for the production of biofuels. Diverse groups, from governmental agencies to private citizens, are interested in developing biomass cropping systems that have strong environmental attributes while providing feedstock options for renewable energy systems such as gasification and cellulosic ethanol.  Management practices for these new cropping systems will need to be refined and enhanced through field research as well as through feedback from the emerging bioenergy industry as the impacts of emerging bioenergy technologies on agricultural and native ecosystems and the economic feasibility of these new renewable energy sources are largely unknown.
A biomass gasification plant is scheduled to go on line at the University of Minnesota- Morris campus in 2008.  This biomass gasification system is a practical production system as well as a research and demonstration platform.  As such, the system provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary research and education for the development of diverse plant-based bioenergy and food cropping systems utilizing both conventional and alternative crops. Scientists at the University of Minnesota-Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota-Morris and the USDA-ARS North Central Soil Conservation Research Lab at Morris have developed multidisciplinary teams with the goal to find solutions for the field-to-facility supply of renewable energy feedstocks while sustaining our land resource ecosystems..  The ultimate goal is development of sustainable cropping systems for renewable energy feedstocks to support efficient bioenergy production systems.  

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The EE-Crops will bring in-depth expertise to critical crop issues by applying his or her expertise to EFANS programs and priorities. The EE primary focus is to employ multiple delivery systems to educate producers, agricultural professionals, and citizens via seminars, workshops or non-credit courses. He or she will conduct collaborative applied research with university faculty and other research professionals. The EE is responsible for program development and delivery, attention to diversity, use of scholarly/scientific research, effective partnerships, use of technology and continuing professional development.

This position is accountable to the Extension Program Leader in Crops for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions in her/his supervisory role.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Identify needs, design, develop, deliver/implement and evaluate educational programs based in scholarly/scientific theory and research as appropriate to audience.
• Use technology for program design, delivery, reporting, communication, trend monitoring, and locating information.
• Collaborate with faculty and other research professionals in conducting scholarly research.
• Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, university and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Garner funds and resources to support educational programs through grants and other means.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with Extension colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and external partnerships.
• Ensure that Extension programs, facilities, committees, and employment opportunities are developed and accessible to new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:  A minimum of a Master's degree in a relevant agronomy or plant science discipline or related field is required and demonstrated experience and background in developing sustainable renewable energy technologies is desirable.  

Experience:  Two years' post-degree professional experience in an emphasis area related to the position is preferred and must be related to one or more of the following topics:  cropping systems, soil science, sustainable agriculture, organic and/or alternative production systems, ecology/natural resources, ag education, pest management, water management, precision farming, or agricultural engineering. Experience designing, delivering and evaluating cropping systems educational programs is preferred. Experience designing, conducting, and/or providing an essential role in research projects is preferred. Experience using technology in educational programming is preferred. Experience in grants and revenue development is preferred.

Skills/Abilities:  Excellent oral and written, communication along with facilitation skills, technology-enhanced learning skills, and ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, (e.g., citizens, legislators, program participants and industry groups) are required. Commitment to ongoing professional development, the ability to articulate public value of educational programs in crops, skills in media relations, a working knowledge of project/program management including budget development, with the ability to read and interpret project/program financial statements and plans are preferred.

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT
1.    Extension Educator positions have an annual University academic professional appointment and Extension academic rank.
2.    Promotion in Extension academic rank is expected and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
3.    University of Minnesota appointment and benefits.
4.    Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. (Must provide own means for traveling throughout the state and legally required vehicle insurance.)
5.    Salary commensurate with education and experience.

TO APPLY

Please attach your cover letter; resume or vita at https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=76797.  Three professional letters of reference, and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) are also required to complete your application. To submit three professional letters on-line; you can attach them to the "references" section of the "optional documents." To submit your unofficial transcripts on-line; you can attach them to the "Additional Document" section of the "optional documents."

Three professional letters of reference and your unofficial transcripts that can not be submitted online should be sent to:

Naaz Babvani
University of Minnesota Extension Human Resources
260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Telephone: 612-624-3717    Fax: 612-624-7749     E-mail: babva001@umn.edu

For more information, contact:
Doug Holen, Search Committee Chair
218.998.5792 or holen009@umn.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE

11/14/2008, or until an acceptable candidate is identified.

*Initial application screening will take place after the 11/14/2008 deadline; however, the position will remain open until filled.

**To check the status of your application, log-in to the University of Minnesota employment website at https://employment.umn.edu/. To log-in, you will need the user name and password you create when you apply for the position.

***Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

The University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status,  disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.