State Specialist in Ornamental Plants

Position Title

State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers

Department

Land Grant Program

Reports To

Dean, College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

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 State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The role is a combination of Extension (75%) and applied research (25%). The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized Extension program for small and minority farms, emphasizing marketing and production strategies in ornamental plants for small‑sale production. Programming will focus on opportunities in cut‑flower production and unique bedding and perennial plants that could be marketed via farmers’ markets, on‑farm sales, pop‑up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives.

The specialist will provide agent training for Extension professionals and off‑campus workshops for stakeholders in ornamental plant production, support the creation of demonstration gardens on campus as part of an arboretum project, conduct applied research such as cut‑flower trials, and may teach an undergraduate/graduate course in greenhouse management or ornamental plant production.

Essential Job Functions

• Work cooperatively with other state Extension specialists to develop, implement, and evaluate multidisciplinary activities, including agent training and workshops.
• Develop curricula for Extension agents in ornamental plant small‑sale production.
• Provide statewide leadership in Extension programming for ornamental plants for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
• Develop Extension factsheets, informational documents, journal articles, and research advances in ornamental plant small‑sale production.
• Create virtual educational resources and web‑based Extension programs through social media offerings in ornamental plant small‑sale production.
• Provide agent training for Extension professionals and workshops for stakeholder groups in ornamental plant small‑sale production.
• Develop collaborations with state and federal cooperators, entrepreneurs, and companies to disseminate opportunities to small‑scale farmers and other stakeholders.
• Participate actively in professional societies, serving on committees and holding office.
• Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies to enhance Extension programming.
• Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land‑grant and non‑land‑grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of Extension programming.
• Conduct applied research supporting cut‑flower production and unique bedding and perennial plants with marketing potential via farmers’ markets, on‑farm sales, pop‑up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives to small and minority farms.
• Develop methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and underrepresented audiences, including Limited English Proficient individuals.
• Potentially develop and teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in ornamental plant small‑sale production.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Ability to lead and guide technical and professional staff.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Advanced ability to write successful grant proposals.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge and experience in working with limited‑resource and minority group clientele.
• Knowledge of current and emerging research trends in areas of expertise.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Working Conditions And Physical Effort

• Work involves some exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dust, water, smoke, and/or unpleasant odors.
• This job involves travel; the position will have statewide responsibilities.
• Light physical effort. Requires handling of average‑weight objects up to 20 pounds or…