Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness; Horticulture

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)
University of Illinois Extension

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.Everything we do is designed toimprove the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across thenation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of expert sand leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science tohigher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer,and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College ofACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Extension Educator serves as aregular, full time, 12 month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension Educators support one of the four core Extension program areas and within that program area may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives:
Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives of Extension Educators will be consistent with national and statewide initiatives considered of significant importance to residents of thestate of Illinois.

Extension Educators will be expected to deliver research-based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Educators, community professionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. The establishment of professional networks as well as the development of relationships with key stakeholder groups is vital to the success of Extension Educators. Extension Educators will be expected to deliver educational program snot only within their assigned multi-county unit, but as requested, to clientele within other units.

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness, is expected to concentrate programmatically in Horticulture. This programmatic concentration includes the development and delivery of high-impact and relevant educational programs and materials, and is required in the following areas:
1) production and protection of plants in urban and suburban ornamental landscapes,
2) fruit and vegetable production and protection, including organic and IPM plant protection systems. Strong leadership and delivery of programs will be provided to volunteers within the Master Gardener Program.

One full time position is available.
Location: Unit 19 - Coles,Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties
(Position will be housed in either Coles, Moultrie-Douglas, or Shelby County)
Additional positions may be available in other locations.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, aCANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to all audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize…