County Agent III - Belvidere, United States - Rutgers University

Description

Posting Summary

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to provide county and regional leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in animal agriculture. This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed at the Warren County office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Belvidere, NJ, offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in commercial agriculture sustainability.

Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan () and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan ); we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide county and regional leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists in animal agriculture, specifically small ruminant livestock for commercial producers and new and beginning farmers:

Provide leadership for a collaborative, multidisciplinary state-of-the-art program

Provide leadership for educational and development activities

Provide support to commercial producers to improve the sustainability of their industries

Identify and expand efforts to include new and emerging crops and issues such as soil health, ag viability, and climate resiliency (weed management, for example).

Provide support for all ANR and RCE in determining research and programmatic needs across the state and will communicate and interact with commodity groups to evaluate the needs of clientele

Actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through outreach, engagement, and recruitment efforts both internally (colleagues and students) and externally (growers and stakeholders).

Located in the northwest corner of the state, the County of Warren occupies an area of square miles and ranks ninth in area and 19th in population among New Jersey's 21 counties. Within the county is some of the most rugged and scenic terrain found in the state. Fertile valleys have enabled the county to become an important agricultural district in the Garden State. According to the 2017 US Census of Agriculture, Warren County has 918 farms covering nearly 74,000 acres with 70% of 49 acres in size or less. Warren County ranked No. 1 in NJ for agricultural production in Christmas trees and livestock, poultry, and related products; No. 2 statewide in grains; No. 3 in cattle and calves, sheep, and aquaculture; and No. 5 in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, sod, and hay. Family farms comprise 97% of all farms, with 18% selling directly to consumers. Of the nearly 1,500 producers answering the census, 331 (~22%) identify themselves as new and beginning farmers.

Cooperative efforts with Extension Specialists, faculty colleagues, fellow ANR faculty and staff include:

Development of educational materials, production guides, and recommendations, etc.

Completing on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, conducting demonstrations, and/or participating in ongoing field research.

Encourage the adoption of new technologies and techniques in commercial animal agriculture

Collaborate with other researchers at Rutgers and across the region and commodity sectors in multidisciplinary projects

In a team approach, strategize and develop multidisciplinary program components, exploring current and future needs of the industry to develop new educational programs and outreach efforts

Salary for this position is $87,577.00.

ANR faculty are expected to demonstrate excellence in extension practice, teaching, and service. Key duties include assessing local needs to design, implement, and evaluate relevant programs. Additional duties include developing strategies and maximizing the effectiveness of relevant educational programs utilizing a variety of delivery modes in collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders. It is an expectation of RCE leadership that all county-based faculty positively contribute to the successful and collegial operation of the county office.

See below for further details. Position Status Full Time Posting Number 23FA0125 Posting Open Date 01/31/2024 Posting Close Date 05/11/2024 Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Candidate must demonstrate excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. The candidate should have a deep understanding of animal agriculture, specifically small ruminant livestock and be able to design and implement a program that responds to commodity and grower strengths, assets, and needs, the results of which would lead to regional and national recognition. There is an expectation for outreach to a diverse population and an inclusive approach to engagement. Position requirements include:

A Master's Degree is required from an accredited institution in animal science or a related field.

Course work or experience in agronomy is preferred, but not required.

A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, applied research implementation, and evaluation

Familiarity with commercial livestock production systems

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse statewide team, growers and stakeholders, and colleagues

Experience in managerial skills and evidence of effective interpersonal communication skills

Experience in public speaking and written business-level communication

Initiative and creativity – the ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed

Local and regional travel is required; personal or county vehicle is available

Certifications/Licenses A valid New Jersey driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within 9 months of hire, and the ability to successfully complete Rutgers and County of Warren Defensive Driving Courses, and other HR training as required. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extension Practice:

Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to adoption and practice, meeting current and projected needs

Explore and implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will improve the viability of commercial agriculture industries

Garner external funding to support and expand programmatic outreach, leading to peer recognition

Document effective changes for the sustainability of animal agricultural industries in NJ

Extension Teaching:

Create, deliver, and evaluate programs for professional and grower audiences using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods.

Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns. Responsibilities may include engaging with Rutgers faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) to increase opportunities for on-farm research and experiential learning at our research farms. Includes recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for hands-on, real-world experience (field trips, lectures, etc.)

Service

Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned Extension office.

Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues

Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states.

Participate in appropriate ANR Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.

Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings.

Additionally

Ability to adapt as circumstances warranted.

Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.

Experience working with diverse audiences and communities

Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions

Demonstrated computer literacy – Microsoft Office and other Windows software, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, etc.

Flexibility – the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing and grant management, and applied research

Equipment Utilized Computer Literacy including the Microsoft Office Suite and working knowledge of current and changing electronic technology. Physical Demands and Work Environment Ability to work nights and weekends as program needs require. Must be able to lift 25 lbs., and travel throughout the county and region to provide on-site programming as needed. Accessibility to RCE and regional colleagues for in-person meetings and collaborations. Overview The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources serves the residents of New Jersey through the development and dissemination of research-based information. Our goal is to teach people new skills and information so they can make better-informed decisions and changes in themselves, their businesses, and their personal lives. Our work with commercial clientele and governmental agencies is intended to improve public understanding of the relationship between agriculture and open space and the general economic and environmental vitality of the state. Our programs focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management (IPM), and other related subjects. Statement Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong interest in attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan () which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.