Oregon State University

Extension General Agriculture Educator

Posted on November 25, 2024
Oregon State University

Position Overview

Extension General Agriculture Educator

Oregon State University

Department: Ext Lake County Office (TEX)

Appointment Type: Professional Faculty

Job Location: Lakeview

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $52,249-$65,004

Job Summary:

The Division of Extension and Engagement and the College of Agricultural Sciences are seeking an Extension General Agriculture Educator. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, professional faculty position in Lake County.

This Extension General Agricultural Educator position is with the Division of Extension and Engagement’s (division) Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources program. This Educator is based at the Extension Service Lake County office in Lakeview, Oregon and will serve Lake County. The purpose of this position is to provide programmatic leadership for Extension programs in agriculture and natural resources in Lake County.

This Extension General Agriculture Educator will conduct needs assessments and will develop and deliver non-credit educational programs. This Educator will contribute to activities in topics relevant to range, forage production, livestock, and general agriculture in Lake County. This position will serve as an educational liaison to local agricultural organizations and state and federal agencies as well as work collaboratively with agricultural producers in the region, commodity organizations, and subject-matter specialists to provide Extension programs in the assigned county.

In addition, this Educator is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining and/or carrying out educational programming and outreach activities to serve broad and diverse populations in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. This includes complying with civil rights and language/visual access regulations.

Oregon State University is committed to practicing and delivery of tools for state-of-the-science interaction and engagement of partners and stakeholders. This faculty member is required to use modern learning and outreach tools including online and hybrid classes, multimedia and digital communications, employ and practice engaged scholarship, promote integration of programs across disciplines that are demand-driven and use open-source tools that continually align with innovation and shifts in educational program delivery. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements

The division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing learner success by engaging them in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Engagement are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for broad and diverse audiences.

Active and effective communication with colleagues and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position. This position will require driving/traveling throughout Lake County and, as necessary, the Eastern region.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

90% Extension Teaching and Education 

• Utilize Oregon State University’s https://ctl.oregonstate.edu/sites/ctl.oregonstate.edu/files/six_principles_v3.pdf that include audience consideration, planning, enhanced engagement, teaching, assessment, and reflection to provide a high level of non-credit teaching for extension audiences.
• Develop, design, and deliver Extension non-credit educational programming associated with crops, livestock, and general agriculture as well as economic development and community development in Lake County. Extension programming in this position could be for farmers, ranchers, elected officials, youth, and community members.
• Use effective Extension teaching methods that meet clientele needs, utilizing materials, methods, and outcomes shared with peers in the state, region, and/or nation.
• Meet the information needs of local and regional audiences by disseminating information from a variety of sources through appropriate mechanisms (internet, newsletter, newspaper, radio, television, presentations, etc.).
• Design or adapt a clear needs assessment and program evaluation protocol to evaluate and to report program impacts locally, regionally, nationally, and/or internationally.
• Leverage technology to increase the reach and impact of program delivery for constituents, including participating with Ask Extension and using the Division’s customer relationship management system.
• Solicit peer and community evaluations of teaching.
• Develop and maintain efficient methods for addressing high volumes of topically repetitive clientele inquiries through outputs such as Extension publications, videos, and other digital communication tools and strategies.
• Work cooperatively with the Extension Service and Ag Experiment station faculty, other governmental agencies, commodity groups, and groups interested in agriculture and pesticide registration in team efforts to offer needs-based Extension educational programs.
• In collaboration with the 4-H Youth Program, implement an annual Youth Tractor Safety Certification course.
• Conduct and coordinate local pesticide recertification efforts for stakeholders as well as answer any pesticide related questions from the public.

5% Organizational Accountability 

• Utilize appropriate and effective methods of communication to promote programs and market Extension programs locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Implement fee-based programming and cost-recovery practices.
• Organize and maintain program advisory committees and/or networks to identify program needs, make recommendations, assist in program implementation, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Develop an annual plan of work addressing educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences as appropriate.
• Link program level output with the overall Extension Service and OSU brand in all opportunities.
• Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers with the understanding and context on how program level Extension work relates to the overall Extension Service mission.
• Annually provide impact statement reports adhering to the Extension Service criteria.
• Participate in leadership training opportunities that builds expertise around equity, inclusion, and diversity. Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, Extension, and service. The outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in the Division’s annual reporting system.

5% Service 

• Serve as a liaison to area organizations that serve the position’s target audiences.
• Become involved in community service through cooperation with other agencies and organizations. Contribute to the common goals and needs of Extension.
• Serve as an advisor on industry boards such as Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Oregon Beef Council and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Develop and maintain year-round public relations connections with natural resources agencies.
• Participate in professional development opportunities including in-service training.
• Assist in cohesive marketing of Extension locally, regionally, and statewide.
• Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
• Participate in appropriate professional and scientific organizations specific to the position discipline.
• Maintain active membership in appropriate professional organizations as appropriate.

Qualifications

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, rangeland sciences, natural resources, agriculture, or a closely related field. Degree must be completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated teaching (formal and/or informal) skills appropriate for adult learners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate successfully with a broad and diverse audience.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain the license throughout employment.
• Transferable skills and knowledge of beef cattle, irrigated forage, and/or arid-climate rangeland production systems.
• Knowledge and ability to use computers, including proficiency with information technology, professional office software, and collaborative work platforms.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communications tools and systems, including websites, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate non-formal education programs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and evidence of successful time management skills.
• A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position;therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university;therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Master’s degree in animal sciences, rangeland sciences, natural resources, agriculture, or closely related field.
• Experience delivering Extension or other informal or community education.
• Demonstrated understanding of needs and impact assessment techniques and their application to Extension programs and services.
• Demonstrated experience delivering digital engagement strategies, including use of online content, multimedia, email campaigns, customer relationship management systems or marketing methods.
• Experience with advisory committees.
• Experience working with or advising farmers or ranchers.
• Experience working with public or government land management agencies.
• Experience expanding opportunities for people with varying backgrounds, needs, and identities in a professional field or workplace.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• The ability to transport and lift/carry/push/pull field and office equipment/materials weighing up to 40 lbs. is required.
• Travel/driving is required to provide educational programming and services throughout Lake County and in the Southern region, as necessary.

Benefits Offered

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

How to Apply

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) Resume: Finalist will be required to give an open presentation which may include the distribution of their redacted resume and a short biography

2) Cover letter that addresses each required qualification 
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact: Vanessa Schroeder, vanessa.schroeder@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. 

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5825549

About Oregon State University

About Lake County: Lake County is rural, sparsely populated, and geographically large. The major economic enterprises for Lake County are cattle, timber, and irrigated hay. The Extension Lake County Office is located in Lakeview, Oregon. Lakeview is a high desert community situated at the base of the Warner Mountains with a population of 3,000. Lakeview is 300 miles southeast of the main campus of Corvallis and a significant distance from a metropolitan area. For information on Lake County, visit the Oregon Explorer: https://oregonexplorer.info/.

About the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (ASNR ) Program: The ASNR program aims to promote improvements in the economic, environmental and social well-being of Oregon residents. The ASNR program serves broad and diverse audiences in Oregon communities having specialized interests by delivering information through faculty who have a presence in http://extension.oregonstate.edu/find-us, https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/research/branch-stations, and who represent 11 academic departments at Oregon State University. To learn more about our ASNR program, please visit: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/main/agricultural-sciences-and-natural-resources-extension-program.

About the Division of Extension and Engagement (division):
The Division is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our division and its core units and initiatives, please visit: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.

Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities, and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU division’s educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people. OSU division prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. All employees are responsible for and expected to comply with Civil Rights obligations and actively work to expand access to all eligible populations. 

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Learn more about Oregon State University