Commercial​/Consumer Horticulture Specialist

Responsibilities

In 2022 the economic contribution of Alabama’s greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture produces exceeded $510 million. This Commercial/Consumer Horticulture Specialist position would serve this important Alabama industry providing training opportunities for professionals including technicians and project managers on topics such as workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, integrated pest management, and workplace leadership. The person in this role will also collaborate with industry associations, regulatory agencies, and Extension colleagues to develop educational content, conduct trainings, and support applied research and demonstration projects.

The Specialist will be housed in the Shelby County office located in the central area of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System but will have statewide responsibilities.

The Specialist will be an actively participating member of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Teams and will develop his/her expertise to complement the teams’ activities as well as provide educational leadership to deliver research-based information around commercial and consumer horticulture throughout the state. The Specialist will participate in regional/state grower associations and other stakeholder groups representing commercial and consumer horticulture and develop a strong relationship as an educational leader among these entities.

The Specialist will, working in conjunction with other ACES team members, develop Alabama-specific content including workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, workplace leadership, integrated pest management guides, and workforce development for those in the Alabama Green Industry. The Specialist will utilize traditional and digital technologies in their educational efforts such as newsletters, news articles, timely information sheets, workshops, group meetings, videos, demonstrations, and site visits.

The Specialist will participate in the grant writing process and activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele in Alabama. The Specialist will contribute to Extension peer-reviewed publications, trade journals, and popular press articles. They may also contribute to applied research which may be presented at national and regional meetings and published in scientific and professional journals. Grant work and writing may be required to obtain additional funding.

It is also an expectation that the Specialist will participate in professional development opportunities offered within the System and through professional associations to enhance themselves both professionally and personally within ACES.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong interest in the technology transfer and transformational education missions of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Candidate must have the ability to work with and deliver programming to audiences from a variety of educational, racial and sociocultural backgrounds. Candidate should understand extension work and be highly motivated to report major outcomes to extension administrators.

Minimum Qualifications

• A horticulture master's degree at the time of employment.
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment and continue working legally for the term of employment.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in the green industry.
• Demonstrated experience in pesticide safety education and regulatory training.
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator License.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing training materials and delivering educational programs.
• Familiarity with EPA and Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries pesticide regulations.
• Experience working with industry professionals.
• PhD desired.

Continuing

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