Assistant​/Associate Agent, Commercial Horticulture; Phoenix, AZ

Assistant/Associate Agent, Commercial Horticulture (Phoenix, AZ)

The Assistant/Associate Area Agent, Commercial Horticulture is a faculty position that delivers research‑based, objective, informal education to stakeholders in Maricopa County. The Agent’s extension efforts focus on challenges in commercial horticulture and food production, covering nursery, vegetable, and fruit cultivation, and emphasize science‑based approaches in plant science, soil health, irrigation, and pest management.

Benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, disability programs, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, tuition reduction, retirement plans, and access to university recreation and cultural activities.

The purpose of the Commercial Horticulture Extension Assistant/Associate Agent is to conduct applied research, deliver educational opportunities, and provide technical support to the consumer and commercial horticulture sectors, as well as production assistance for urban landscape systems. The agent collaborates with industry leaders to identify research and education needs, promotes environmentally responsible practices, and presents outcomes at conferences and professional meetings.

• Program Development:
  • Conduct a systematic analysis of national, state, and county data to identify community assets, program needs, outreach, and teaching opportunities.
  • Identify resources (grants, contracts, in‑kind contributions, etc.) to enhance programs.
  • Develop an annual Plan of Work in cooperation with community groups, local leaders, and Extension advisory groups.
  • Consult with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts to develop educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.
• Program Implementation:
  • Conduct creative programming and utilize new technology to address priority needs of the target audiences.
  • Participate in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
  • Prepare educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials, and publicity information to support state, county, and community initiatives.
  • Function as a resource for other agencies and organizations, promoting interaction and cooperation among various groups.
  • Disseminate educational materials through county‑wide and multi‑county events, workshops, websites, newsletters, and other mass media methods.
  • Promote communication and teamwork with county and state Extension and other faculty and professionals.
  • Promote Cooperative Extension as the outreach arm of the state‑land‑grant university.
• Program Results:
  • Evaluate and document results and impacts of educational programs.
  • Communicate program results to professional peers and clientele through reports, scholarly works, and publications.
  • Work with the County Extension Director to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements.
• Professionalism:
  • Maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional activities, and application of knowledge and skills.
  • Maintain high ethical and professional standards, loyalty to Cooperative Extension and the university.
  • Promote public understanding and support for Extension and university programs.
  • Perform as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

• Skill in identifying and obtaining grants, contracts, and other financial resources to enhance programming.
• Knowledge of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programming.
• Knowledge in the subject matter of commercial horticulture and food production.
• Ability to work with community stakeholders and volunteers.

• Employee frequently required to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors, possibly with temperatures above 100°F for extended periods.
• Exposure to high levels of noise, vibration, and physical hazards such as moving mechanical parts and chemicals.
• Potential exposure to oils or cutting fluids and respiratory irritants such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, or gases.

• Flexible schedule.

• A master’s degree or equivalent qualification in horticulture, plant science, pest management, soil health, plant pathology, or a related field.
• Two years of applicable professional experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the university Fleet Safety Policy.

• Program and personnel management experience.
• Experience planning programs and working with community engagement.