Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness; Horticulture and Farms

As partof the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not onlyto provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We will invest in our employees,our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive toprovide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role.

Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, andan environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

The Extension Educator serves as a 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.

• Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors could include, but are not limited to, horticulture, agronomy, ornamental horticulture, urban agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, or weed science. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
  
  Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development.

• Work experience with urban agriculture.
• Informal and formal teaching experiences.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license.

One full-time position is available.

Location:

Unit 5 – DuPage,Kane and Kendall Counties

(Position will be housed in Kane County– St. Charles, IL.)

Additional positions may become 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.

• Collaborate with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators.
• Build networks among groups of those focused on local food production for emerging audiences.
• Provide research-based information and educational programs for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership for volunteers within the Master Gardener Program.
• Develop and deliver programs and materials in following areas:
  Fruit and vegetable production and protection
  Food marketing initiatives
  Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
  School and community gardens
  Building networks and increasing collaboration with agriculture stakeholders.

Strong communication skills. Skilled in working with varied cultural groups. Understanding of urban issues and populations. Ability to organize, manage, and conduct educational activities for adult audiences. Ability to build and maintain varied networks.

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the…