County Agent III

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title County Agent III (Assistant Professor) - Commercial Agriculture - Burlington County Department Agric & Natural Resources Salary Annual Salary Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to provide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based information in commercial agricultural production, with a preference for knowledge and familiarity of vegetable production. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of County Agent III (equivalent to Assistant Professor). This position is located at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County, 2 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ. Agriculture and Natural Resource Agents are expected to demonstrate excellence in extension practice, teaching, and service. Key duties include providing leadership in assessing local needs to design, implement, and evaluate relevant programming in commercial agronomic or horticultural crop production, collaborating with agricultural producers and commercial commodity organizations, agencies, and internal ANR and NJAES working groups, and developing strategies to maximize the effectiveness of teaching and engagement, programmatic impact within Extension Practice, and service in appropriate service roles, utilizing a variety of delivery modes. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which empowers all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement following the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan , the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan ), and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Diversity Equity plan which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply. Position Status Full Time Posting Number 24FA1307 Posting Open Date 12/11/2024 Posting Close Date 01/13/2025 Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience A Master's Degree from an accredited institution in horticultural sciences, agronomy, plant or soil sciences, or other closely related fields within the scope of commercial crop production is required. In addition, three years of relevant experience following attaining the Bachelor's degree is required. Experience or course work in integrated pest management, commercial crop production, agribusiness management, working with diverse audiences, and/or collaboration/coalition building are preferred. Certifications/Licenses A valid New Jersey driver's license or the ability to obtain one, the ability to complete Rutgers and/or Burlington County Defensive Driving Courses, and other HR training as required. A valid NJDEP Pesticide Applicator's License, or the ability to acquire one within the first 18 months of hire, is also required. This position would be responsible for assisting clientele in implementing and sustaining appropriate commercial agricultural practices. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide county and regional leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists specifically for commercial agriculture producers. The position will: provide leadership in assessing local needs to design, implement, and evaluate relevant programming in commercial agricultural production. develop applied research and outreach programs focused on commercial agricultural production and management strategies for the commercial agriculture industry in Burlington County and the surrounding region. collaborate with agricultural producers and commercial agriculture organizations, agencies, and internal ANR and NJAES working groups. develop strategies and maximize the effectiveness of teaching and engagement, programmatic impact within Extension Practice, and serve in appropriate service roles, utilizing a variety of delivery modes. secure grants, contracts, and other external funding streams to expand/enhance educational programs and apply research efforts. actively participate in appropriate Departmental, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University and Burlington County administrative functions. establish an outstanding program, the merits of which will lead to regional and/or national recognition. will fully participate in facilitating and supporting the effective operation of the RCE office in Westampton, NJ working within and following policies set by both the County of Burlington and Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension and Rutgers University Cooperative efforts with Extension Specialists, faculty colleagues, fellow ANR faculty and staff include: Development of educational materials, production guides, recommendations, etc. Conducting on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, conducting demonstrations, and/or participating in ongoing field research. Encourage adoption of new and emerging technologies and techniques in commercial agriculture production Collaborate with other researchers at Rutgers and across the region and commodity sectors in multidisciplinary projects. Assist with county consumer horticulture clientele and ANR volunteer training programming In a team approach, strategize and develop multidisciplinary program components, exploring current and future needs of the industry to develop new educational programs and outreach efforts. Program areas include sustainable agriculture, alternative cropping systems, and ag technologies. Extension Practice: Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to adoption and practice, meeting current and projected needs. Explore and implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will improve the viability of commercial agriculture industries. Garner external funding to support and expand programmatic outreach, leading to peer recognition. Document effective changes for the sustainability of commercial agricultural industries in NJ. Extension Teaching: Create, deliver, and evaluate programs for professional and grower audiences using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods. Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for growers, commercial clientele, students and interns. Responsibilities may include engaging with Rutgers faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) to increase opportunities for on-farm research and experiential learning at our research farms. Includes recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for hands-on, real-world experience (field trips, lectures, etc.). Service Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned Extension office. Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues. Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states. Participate in appropriate ANR Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups. Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings. Additionally Ability to adapt as circumstances are warranted. Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility and ability to share complex information tailored to the audience. Demonstrated positive interpersonal communication skills (oral and written) Evidence of recent educational materials and/or methods engaging diverse populations Experience working with diverse audiences and communities. Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions. Demonstrated computer literacy - Microsoft Office and other Windows software, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, and ability to address changing technology to serve clientele, etc. Possess initiative, creativity, and the ability to take direction while also working independently to meet goals and deadlines, and a willingness to learn and improve proficiency in designated subject matter areas. Possess organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks within both office and field settings. Ability to plan, conduct, and evaluate programs for the commercial agriculture sector. Flexibility - the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed. Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing, and management, and applied research. Equipment Utilized Computer, printer, and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite; Email for communications and research, locally and nationally; Equipment related to programming and teaching (laptop, LCD projector, etc.); digital cameras, etc. Working knowledge of current and changing electronic technology. Physical Demands and Work Environment Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Successfully and efficiently work in both office and research farm settings and field visits. Comfortable and accustomed to working in rural agricultural settings . click apply for full job details