Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Extension Agent (Home Horticulture)

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for an Extension Agent (EA) to serve on the Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Program Priority Team. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

Reasons you'll love working as an Extension Agent at ACES - Auburn:

This position is an Extension assignment serving Lauderdale, Limestone, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Winston, Lamar, Fayette, and Walker Counties. The Agent will be housed in one of the counties served.

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Responsibilities: Programming from this team is diverse, covering training opportunities for green industry professionals, and for gardeners/homeowners. Green industry programs can include athletic field management, pesticide safety training, and irrigation.

Home horticulture can include backyard fruit, nut and vegetable culture, lawn and ornamental installation and maintenance, water quality, waste management, and pest management. All of these must promote best management practices and the appropriate use of all pest management products.

The Extension Agent (EA) will utilize all available technologies in their educational outreach as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters and workshops/group meetings. Related to home horticulture, the Master Gardener volunteer program is a responsibility of this team. EA's coordinate volunteer training classes and guide volunteer efforts in public outreach. Designing and participating in applied research/demonstration with other agents and Specialists benefits both green industry and non-commercial audiences. All EAs are expected to support the team's program impact evaluations each year. All EAs are expected to participate in regional and state horticulture associations, developing their reputation as educational leaders with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Team Descriptions: The Home Grounds team includes Extension Agents (EAs), Urban Extension Agents (UEAs), County Extension Directors (CEDs), and Extension Specialists. The EA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the EA will partner with other EAs and the region's CEDs to provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the team's programs conducted in the region.

Level 1: Bachelor's Degree and 0 years of experience.
Level 2: Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience or Master's Degree and 2 years of experience.
Level 3: Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience or Master's Degree and 6 years of experience.
Level 4: Bachelor's Degree and 12 years of experience or Master's Degree and 10 years of experience.

Focus of Education: Discipline related to extension programming.

Focus of Experience: Experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs in a relevant discipline, including formal and/or informal teaching methods.

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, plant science, or related field with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and at least two years of relevant work experience OR a Master's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field.

Experience recruiting, teaching, and leading volunteers to deliver horticulture related programs is highly valued.

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