Area Agent for Small Farm Program

TITLE: Area Agent for Small Farm Program

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: Small Farmer Outreach Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Area Agent for Small farm Program will operate under the guidance of Kentucky State University Small Farmer Outreach Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator.

Establish and maintain a working relationship with Kentucky State University and University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System agricultural agents, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, USDA agencies, Non-Profit Organizations agricultural agents to foster a collaborative working environment in support of socially disadvantaged and African American farmers. Plan and work cooperatively with other Extension staff and Area Directors in planning, implementing and evaluating the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in the Extension Areas.

The Area Agent will operate in cooperation with all county Extension Agents in the respective counties as follows: Franklin, Anderson, Mercer, Boyle, Jessamine, Lincoln, Garrard, Woodford, Scott, Owen, Madison, Shelby, Clark and Henry Counties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develop, implement, and evaluate a county plan of work based on locally identified needs.Develops farm plans to improve family income from agricultural production.Provides technology and leadership to improve livestock and crop yields, increase family food production for farm families, and improve economic and social levels.Identifies and recruits program participants.Assists farm families in recordkeeping.Conducts demonstrations and meetings to educate farming public in new technology and practices related to agriculture.Provides financial education, resources and opportunities (including access to loans) to improve farm family income and overall farm operation.Teaches producers how to identify disease and insects; provides them with prevention and control information.Provides information and guidance on alternative crops.Advises farmers on better management practices and assists with water quality plans.May supervise assistants, students, or volunteers.Recruit volunteers and create advisory council(s) or committees to help identify local issues and needs for Small Farmers and producers in service area. Follow established compliance guidelines for all volunteers in the program.Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach a wide range of audiences representative of the service area.Serve as link between researchers and specialists and the local communities served.Provide direct mentorship efforts and training for farmers.Maintain a system for reporting clientele information and generate reports for internal and external stakeholders.Maintain data collection of program participants and ensure timely submission to required database systems.Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.Knowledge of Extension program development process, evaluation, and reporting.Knowledge of the subject matter.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.Ability to develop, maintain, and use spreadsheets and databases.Demonstrated time management and organizational skills to coordinate projects and people, prioritize and track multiple projects simultaneously, and meet critical deadlines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

OTHER DUTIES:

Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor degree required. The degree must be from an accredited university in agricultural, horticulture, animal science, Extension education, adult education, or closely associated fields.Relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Livestock and/or Field Crops Production, Cooperative Extension.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.Requires some standing or walking.Ability to lift 40 lbs.This position requires some night meetings, weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings.A valid driver s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the university.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.