Extension Educator, Poultry

Working Title: Extension Educator, Poultry

Appointment: Full-time, annually renewable, P&A, Assistant Extension Professor (9623)

Estimated Salary: $68,000-78,000 annually

Program Area: Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems

Office Location: Extension Regional Office (some locations may not be available, to be negotiated at time of offer.) Hybrid work options may be available.

Apply By: February 16, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The primary audience for this position will be poultry producers, processors, and industry professionals. The successful candidate will provide leadership in delivering cutting edge educational programs, including development, delivery, marketing, and evaluation throughout the state. Specific attention will be required to become knowledgeable of local/federal/state agency programs that affect commercial poultry production and to interact with those agencies.

Focus will be on educational programming and field research regarding biosecurity and supporting the response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other diseases as they arise. Interactions with UMN faculty and other researchers across disciplines, departments and colleges is expected. Consequently, the successful candidate must have the background and ability to address a wide range of disciplines and issues related to poultry production. This individual should be self-motivated, enjoy working independently as well as in a team environment and be effective in communicating with producers as well as colleagues and industry and government professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs to address needs which are appropriate to poultry audiences state-wide.
• Provide information and education using a variety of technologies and techniques to optimize programming effectiveness consistent with the intended audience's learning styles.
• Work with county, state, and national agencies on emergency response, especially related to responding to HPAI and other diseases.
• Assist with planning and conducting applied research and other scholarly activities to meet the needs of the poultry industry.
• Identify, secure and manage external and internal funding that supports collaborative research and Extension programming with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, state, and national partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Work with and develop programs for diverse audiences historically underserved by Extension.
• Report on programmatic impacts and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders.
• Make progress toward professional advancement by participating in systems of annual performance review, self-evaluation, professional plan of work, and promotion.

Candidates must meet and document all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS in application materials.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. degree in animal science, agriculture engineering, or a closely related field.
• One year of professional experience in a field related to poultry production and management
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating poultry-related educational programs
• Using technology in an educational programming setting
• Working with diverse and underserved audiences
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders

Additional Requirements

• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement are provided according to University policies. Includes occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force. Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years' professional experience, including the graduate study period, in a field related to poultry production and management
• Designing, conducting, and/or collaborating in research projects
• Experience with emergency response
• Skills in media relations
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data
• Experience in establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, and government agencies

ABOUT EXTENSION
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Sarah Boelke, search chair, schi0466@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.