Commercial Horticulture Regional Extension Agent -West Central

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for a Commercial Horticulture Regional Extension Agent ( REA) to serve the west central region of Alabama. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

This position is a 100% non-tenure track faculty Extension assignment covering multiple counties. The Agent will be housed in one of the County Extension offices located in the region served.

Geographic Area: West Central Alabama Region (Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Choctaw, Marengo, Dallas, Wilcox counties).

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System ( ACES) is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of AU and Alabama A&M University. It delivers science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being.

The Commercial Horticulture Program Priority Area is diverse covering agricultural production of commercial fruits, vegetables, turf, nursery, greenhouse, and the landscape industry. The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team is comprised of specialists, coordinators, and regional extension agents. Commercial Horticulture programs support the need for global food security and growing farm profits for experienced and beginning farmers, along with educational support to the ornamental and landscaping industry.

The Regional Extension Agent ( REA) will be a participating member of the Commercial Horticulture Team and develop his/her expertise to compliment the team activities as well as provide educational leadership to deliver research based information in the area of commercial horticulture within their assigned region. The REA will participate in regional/state grower associations and other stakeholder groups representing commercial horticulture and develop a strong relationship as an educational leader among these entities. Educational programming will be developed independently and collectively based on measurable situational needs assessment for accomplishing short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals within commercial horticulture. The REA will utilize all available and emerging digital technologies in their educational efforts as well as utilize more traditional educational methods such as newsletters, news articles, timely information sheets, workshops, group meetings, demonstrations, and farm visits. The REA will participate in the grant writing process and participate in activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele within their region. REA will assist the team leader and administrators in project outcome and impact evaluations for digital and face-to-face activities. REA will participate in professional development opportunities offered within the System and through professional associations to enhance themselves both professionally and personally within the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field. Incumbents will be required to obtain a Master's degree within five years of successfully completing a probationary period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong interest in the technology transfer and transformational education missions of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Candidate must have the ability to work with and deliver programming to audiences from a variety of educational, racial and sociocultural backgrounds. Candidate should have an understanding of extension work and be highly motivated to report major outcomes to extension administrators.

Candidates must demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills, possess the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups, and be willing to utilize various forms of educational program delivery to a diverse clientele. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field with at least two years of relevant work experience. A Master's degree is preferred and does not require experience to apply.

****Minimum Starting Salary****

$43,860 for a Bachelor's Degree
$47,860 for a Master's Degree

Salary increases for years of relevant, professional work experience

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.