Extension Specialist – Home and Community Food Production and Director of the Home and Garden Information Center

University of Maryland

14d•$64,763 - $87,350

About The Position

University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position at the Agent or Senior Agent level to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer home and community food production and integrated pest management (IPM) expertise throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide leadership in delivering educational programming to UME field faculty, Master Gardeners, community and school gardens, public agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. The Extension Specialist will be expected to respond to a broad set of needs and issues, such as soil health and fertility, plant and pest diagnostics and organic pest management, water quality and conservation, intensive production techniques, climate resilient crops and practices, and increasing food gardening access and production. The incumbent will also serve as Director of the Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC), a statewide unit that delivers digital horticulture and IPM resources and services. The HGIC Director role will involve approximately 25% of the Specialist’s time commitment and oversee the support staff of the Center. The Extension Specialist will facilitate partnerships with campus and field faculty, local and state agencies, non-profits, elected officials, communities, and residents to implement best practices related to home and community food production and IPM. The incumbent will serve as the UME leader for home and community food gardening programming and training efforts, leader of HGIC program, and will be involved in planning and conducting educational events for the public, UME faculty, Master Gardeners, and partners. The position will be based at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville, MD, and the applicant will have access to the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station's research and education facilities throughout the state. The Extension Specialist will provide leadership for relevant horticulture and IPM programming within the Environment & Natural Resources Program (ENR), one of four UME programs. In carrying out their duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director and Program Leader, Environment & Natural Resources Program. The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and research methods will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust Extension education program that engages participants in a collaborative learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making. The Extension Specialist represents UME and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). The position ensures that educational programming aligns with UME’s current strategic plan and plan of work, particularly as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined.

Requirements

Master’s degree in plant sciences, crop sciences, horticulture, environmental sciences, or related field of study
Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member
Demonstrated experience conducting surveys and outreach education.
Experience managing programs and projects
Experience setting up and conducting applied research projects.
Knowledge and use of computers and electronic technology for educational programming and project management.
Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication and teaching skills.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in plant sciences, crop sciences, horticulture, environmental sciences, or related field of study.
Evidence of experience working with broad audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose vegetable and fruit plant and pest problems and provide recommendations for prevention and management.
Evidence of peer-reviewed journal articles, popular educational materials, and Extension publications.
Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
Evidence of skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate information to broad audiences.
Experience working with graduate and/or undergraduate students and collaborating with non-profits.

Responsibilities

State home and community food gardening expert. Develop and teach new research-based food gardening and IPM knowledge and practices. Create and communicate content on web pages and social media.
Conduct surveys to assess the training and information needs of internal and external clientele in the area of urban/community food production.
Lead for two statewide Master Gardener food gardening programs: Grow It Eat It and Seed to Supper. Support UME’s Ask Extension team.
Provide leadership for the HGIC program including program coordination and fiscal and operations oversight.
Train and support field faculty, Master Gardeners, non-profits, and other partners on community and school/youth gardening and teach topics such as climate change adaptation, soil health, IPM, seed saving, and growing climate-adapted food plants popular in immigrant communities.
Educate using web pages, webinars, online modules, videos, applied research, demonstrations, social media, and classes, with an emphasis on experiential learning.
Discover and share new knowledge. Work with partners to identify and address emerging issues and challenges.
Develop creative and scholarly activities that are validated by peers and communicated, such as educational materials published and adopted by others, Extension publications, applied research results, conference posters, and professional presentations.
Secure extra-mural funding to develop an applied research program. Develop grant-funded projects to enhance and expand educational programs.
Develop internal and external partnerships and collaborations with campus and field faculty, non-profits, businesses, state and local government, and community and school gardens, with a focus on cross-programming.
Collect and report data to evaluate programs and show impacts.
Supervision may include HGIC program administration and program staff, as appropriate, as determined by the ENR PL in accordance with UME mission requirements.