Agriculture Agent, Crops and Soils Emphasis (100%) – Dodge County

Position Description and Position Vacancy Announcement
Application Due Date: May 6, 2014

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION VISION: To be a thriving, well-known and sought-out educational resource that reflects the rich diversity of the state.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PURPOSE: We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

WORKING TITLE: Dodge County Agriculture Agent, Crops and Soils Emphasis (100%)

OFFICIAL TITLE: Faculty (rank to be determined) or Extension Associate (academic staff)

GEOGRAPHIC AREAS SERVED: Primarily Dodge County and occasionally extending beyond county boundaries for specific commitments and team programming.

OFFICE LOCATION: Dodge County UW-Extension Office, Room 108 County Administration Building, 127 E Oak Street, Juneau, WI 53039-1379

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:

With a Master’s degree: This is a probationary tenure-track faculty appointment within the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This probationary 100% appointment may be renewed annually for 6 years, depending on performance during the probationary period. A tenured appointment must be obtained by your tenure date at the end of the 6th year of full-time employment to retain the position, in accordance with UW-Extension faculty policies and procedures.

Filling this position as a faculty appointment is preferred. Applicants with a Master’s degree will be screened first. If this screening yields an insufficient applicant pool, applications from individuals with a Bachelor’s degree will be considered.

With a Bachelor’s degree: This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s division of Cooperative Extension. Fixed-term academic staff appointments are made on an annual basis, with renewal possible depending on performance. The academic staff member, in consultation with the Associate Program Director and Regional Director, will develop a graduate education plan within the first year of employment subject to approval by the academic department. The academic staff member must make ongoing progress in the approved Master’s program to qualify for annual appointment renewals and is expected to complete the Master’s degree within five years of initial appointment. Upon completion of the approved Master’s degree program, the individual is eligible to apply for admittance into the academic department. Upon a successful review of credentials and acceptance by the academic department, the individual’s appointment will convert to a probationary tenure-track faculty appointment.

POSITION PURPOSE:
As a faculty member or academic staff member of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, employed with Dodge County, the Agriculture Agent is an educational leader in teaching, accessing and applying research findings from dairy and animal sciences, agronomy/plant sciences, agricultural economics, horticulture and natural resources. The Agriculture Agent takes a scholarly approach in integrating concerns and issues identified at the county, state and national levels relative to agriculture economic development, agriculture profitability and environmental quality, and in building the capacity of adults, youth, families, organizations, and communities.

INITIAL POSITION FOCUS:
The areas of emphasis have focused on crop production and management, integrated pest management, nutrient management, on-farm research and horticulture. There continues to be an on-going emphasis on ag economics, farm management/ag business management, agricultural entrepreneurship as ways to support economic development both locally and across the state. An understanding of animal science will also be beneficial for the candidate.

PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FOCUS:
– Design, deliver and teach culturally relevant community-based educational programs through a variety of methods
– Conduct and collect ongoing assessments of community educational needs
– Create a plan of work that integrates research and community needs
– Reach and engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and do not discriminate to ensure full access to programs, facilities and educational services
– Conduct and report on program evaluations to improve program effectiveness and demonstrate value to programmatic and funding partners
– Regularly prepare educational and promotional materials using appropriate technology
– Identify, recruit and develop volunteer leadership necessary to carry out the position’s plan of work
– Write, publish and share articles, curricula and program designs
– Build, strengthen and sustain trust-based relationships to promote cooperative and respectful work environments
– Develop and maintain relationships with programmatic and funding partners in ways that effectively communicate Extension’s value
– Collaborate with program-related community coalitions and partnerships
– Regularly consult with and report to Extension partners at the county and state levels to ensure accountability
– Develop and follow a professional development plan to ensure proficiency in priority content, current research and relevant competencies
– Be responsive to evolving position, program, office and organizational needs; perform adjusted or additional duties as requested
– Contribute leadership, as needed, to ensure effective Extension office operations

WORKING CONDITIONS:
– Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions
– Assume weekly travel throughout the county and occasional travel within the state
– Work evenings on a regular basis and occasionally on weekends, as needed, to meet local needs

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:
The Agriculture Agent aligns the work of this position with Cooperative Extension’s purpose, vision and values in ways that contribute to supportive workplaces. Cooperative Extension’s values of community, discovery, inclusiveness, relationships and respect guide the Agriculture Agent in achieving the position’s primary outcomes.

The Agriculture Agent is expected to contribute to Cooperative Extension’s scholarly environment as appropriate for the position. For instance, faculty are expected to be able to work independently—systematically identifying local issues and generating or synthesizing research that addresses local issues. Faculty are also expected to create original educational materials that address specific local needs and to meet professional standards within their discipline. Standards of scholarship excellence are expected to be maintained throughout the faculty member’s Extension career, and are measured through regular peer review by members of the Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The Agriculture Agent actively participates in the shared governance and policy development of the institution, personally or through representatives, to ensure representation in matters affecting faculty.

The Agriculture Agent meets the position’s reporting accountabilities and performance expectations in collaboration with the Southwest Regional Director (hiring authority), Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension (ANRE) State Program Office, Dodge County Department Head, and the Dodge County UW-Extension Education Committee.

TO BE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION AS A FACULTY MEMBER, YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
– Master’s or other graduate degree, with at least one degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as: agronomy/plant sciences; agriculture education; agricultural economics; soil science; or farm management/ag business management
– Current content knowledge in fields related to the purpose of this position such as crop production and management, integrated pest management, nutrient management, on-farm research, horticulture, ag economics and farm business management
– Demonstrated skills in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs
– Experience (paid or volunteer) in working at a community level and partnering with others to address educational needs
– Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

TO BE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION AS AN ACADEMIC STAFF MEMBER, YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
– Bachelor’s degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as agronomy/plant sciences; agriculture education; agricultural economics; soil science; or farm management/ag business management
– Current content knowledge in fields related to the purpose of this position such as crop production and management, integrated pest management, nutrient management, on-farm research, horticulture, ag economics and farm business management
– Demonstrated skills in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs
– Ability to work at a community level and partner with others to address educational needs
– Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: [FOR FACULTY AND ACADEMIC STAFF]
– Demonstrated educational program development skills including planning and implementing programs; evaluating learning experiences; and communicating program impact and value to stakeholders
– Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing and applying evidence-based information and research findings
– Knowledge of adult learning principles
– Effective group facilitation skills
– Demonstrated educational program management skills including grant-writing, budget development, and fiscal resources management
– Successful experience developing volunteers and managing volunteer-delivered programs
– Experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments
– Successful volunteer or paid experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
– Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining professional work environments
– Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting
– Effective communication and presentation skills using a variety of methods and technologies
– Ability to promote Cooperative Extension and its programs through various media and public relations strategies
– Knowledge of Cooperative Extension’s legacy as part of the U.S. system of land-grant institutions, dedicated to service in the public good
– Rural experience with an understanding of farm practices and related industries

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES:
Individuals who demonstrate increasing capacity in the following organizational competencies, as indicated by the examples listed below, are likely to experience higher levels of success within their Cooperative Extension positions:

LEADERSHIP
Inspires respect and trust; Practices strategic, shared and ethical decision making; Clarifies expectations and accepts feedback; Shows personal responsibility and follow through on commitments; Adapts well to change or unexpected events in the work environment; Finds solutions; Is willing and motivated to learn.

RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING
Works in ways that support mutually beneficial partnerships, including being tactfully and diplomatically responsive to others and maintaining confidentiality; Understands group and team dynamics; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Chooses appropriate Extension roles in conflict situations; Manages interactions successfully through an awareness of one’s emotions and those of others.

INCLUSION
Recognizes, understands and appreciates the culturally different ways in which others express themselves; Treats others with dignity, respect and consideration; Demonstrates active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity through programming and outreach efforts.

COMMUNICATION
Listens and seeks clarification; Adapts and varies communication to fit cultural contexts and circumstances; Demonstrates effective communication technology skills and presentation skills; Writes clearly and informatively; Possesses skills to strengthen others’ understanding of Extension’s value.

POSITION DESCRIPTION CLARIFICATION:
This position description is not intended to be comprehensive in nature given the changes in primary duties/essential job functions and position expectations that can occur over time in response to emerging and assessed community, program and organizational needs. Changes to this position description are subject to the approval of the Cooperative Extension Human Resource Development Office and those to whom the position is accountable.

POSITION BENEFITS AND SALARY:
State of Wisconsin benefits (http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/newemp/orientwrs.pdf), including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances. Starting salary range commensurate with qualifications: $46,000 – $55,000.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request. Please call 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance. Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to: UW-Extension Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI 53706.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
1) APPLICATION DUE DATE: To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by May 6, 2014 and include all of the following (WHEN UPLOADING DOCUMENTS, PDF FORMAT IS PREFERRED):
a. COVER LETTER (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the minimum qualifications of this position. Please prepare a paragraph for each of the minimum qualifications and include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response. Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills.

b. PROFESSIONAL RESUME, including related education, professional work history and volunteer experience.

c. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL WORK REFERENCES, including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor. For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person’s title, e-mail address and telephone number.

d. FINAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies of final college transcripts are acceptable when applying for this position. Official final college transcripts are required upon hire.

Please upload only the materials requested above. Any documents, other than those requested, will be deleted from your application. Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered. Applications received after the application due date will be accepted through the conclusion of the initial application screening process.

2) Optional Confidentiality Form: Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identities remain confidential. The identities of all finalists must be released upon request. Please upload this document along with your other materials. The form can be accessed by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/hr/pdffiles/confidentiality.pdf.

3) A criminal records review will be conducted prior to employment. Completed consent forms will be requested at the time of final interviews. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position.

4) How to apply. Please submit application materials to Cooperative Extension Human Resource Development Office online using the URLs below. Once you are in the Candidate Gateway, please make sure to click on the Advanced Search link and enter 9678 into the Job Opening ID field.
a. Before you get started with the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs). To do so, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser. External applicants can also view the FAQs after accessing the online system by clicking on the “Help” link in the upper right corner. https://helpdesk.wisc.edu/images/group61/21900/TAMFAQ_CandidateGateway.pdf
b. If you are applying as an applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.careers.wisconsin.edu/psc/careers/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?SiteId=31
c. If you are applying as a current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.hrs.wisconsin.edu/psc/hrs-fd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_POST&Action=U&HRS_PERSON_ID=100374