Faculty Employment Opportunity!

Extension Agent
Hancock County, West Virginia

ASSIGNMENT LOCATION: Hancock County, West Virginia
Closing Date: May 9, 2008

Brief Description:

The WVU Extension Service is seeking a dynamic individual to develop, deliver, and provide access to a comprehensive community-based Extension education program in the areas of 4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, families and health, and community and economic development. The Extension agent will be expected to focus the full resources and programs of WVU and the WVU Extension Service to address the critical needs and interests of the citizens of Hancock County. Collaboration with WVU faculty and staff, government agencies, key stakeholders, and civic groups will be required. This may include but is not limited to county commissions, boards of education, Master Gardeners, youth development organizations, 4-H, CEOS clubs, resource conservation agencies, and community and business development organizations. Collaboration with neighboring counties and all WVU Extension program units is expected. This is a tenure-track faculty appointment requiring the incumbent to have annual evaluations of significant contributions in teaching and service and satisfactory contributions in research for retention and promotion consideration.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enhance volunteer and lay leadership skills.
• Provide leadership to the 4-H youth program through the involvement of youth groups and adult volunteers in a variety of educational experiences focused on life skills.
• Design and conduct high-quality 4-H camping and other outdoor educational experiences.
• Develop and deliver educational programs focused on adult and teen volunteer leadership and character development, including the recruitment, training, and management of a diverse base of volunteers to enhance all Extension programs.
• Provide access to educational programs for landowners and agribusiness persons on production agriculture, agricultural marketing, and business development issues.
• Develop and deliver programming in horticulture including small fruit and vegetable production, consumer horticulture, and a Master Gardener program.
• In collaboration with Families and Health Programs, ensure access to educational programs designed to strengthen well being of individuals and families.  
• Serve as an adviser to the Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) program.
• Respond to requests for information in a timely manner, using a variety of research-based resources.
• Utilize available state specialists and resources as needed to maintain and enhance programs.
• Serve on selected county, regional, university and non-university committees, assuming leadership and professional associations as appropriate.
• Evaluate results of teaching, research, and service efforts in terms of impact and improvement in knowledge, behaviors, and skills, and measure change in participants’ behavior toward attaining goals and program objectives.
• Maintain an effective public information program about WVU Extension programs.
• Partner with agencies and organizations, as well as other WVU academic units or counties and volunteer groups.
• Work with county and regional leaders to assess and prioritize issues to be addressed through applied research and educational programs.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of county institutions and organizations to respond to local and regional needs.
• Form networks with county government, community, organizations, agencies, and other Extension faculty and staff.
• Keep up-to-date as a professional educator in relevant subject matter areas.

Qualifications:

• A master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. Educational background in education, rural sociology, community development, public administration, resource development, youth development, nutrition, health education, and agricultural education and/or related field is required.
• If the required master’s degree is not in a specified academic field, applicants may qualify with any master’s degree plus three years of work experience in a required field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations are necessary.
• Extension or similar work experience preferred; experience working with volunteers desirable.
• Evidence of ability to use research skills, assess needs, evaluate programs, and conduct applied research related to area of placement is desired.
• Documented experience in volunteer management, supervision, resource development, and team leadership is preferred.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management are required.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to meet travel demands of position (overnight stays), such as 4-H youth camps, conferences, professional development sessions/trainings.
• Required to take and pass the WVU Driver's Safety Training exam.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties of the position.
• Research and write regular topical articles for newspapers, newsletters, and websites in collaboration with WVUES Communications.

Salary:

• Salary range for position is $37,000 to $41,000.
• Salary will be commensurate with professional qualifications.
• This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track position with the West Virginia University Extension Service.
• The successful candidate will be evaluated on providing a significant contribution in teaching and service and a reasonable contribution in research with the WVU Extension Service.
• Final appointment to the position is subject to the approval of the Hancock County Extension Service Committee.

Benefits:

• 401k Retirement program with employer matching
• Annual Leave (24 days annually)
• Sick leave (18 days annually)
• Paid holidays (12+ days annually)
• Workers' Compensation
• Optional benefits:
  • Group Health, Life, and Accident insurances
  • Disability Insurance
  • Optional pre-tax benefits:
    • Child care
    • Dental care
    • Supplemental retirement programs
    • Vision care
• Tuition Waiver (6 credit hours per semester)
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Moving expense reimbursement
• There are several additional programs and privileges.

Application Process:

• A cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for outlining experience and qualifications;
• Resume or curriculum vitae of academic training and professional experience of all academic work, must include the following information:
  • Date(s) of employment
  • Supervisor(s) names
  • Contact information
• A list of three references (including address, e-mail, phone, and fax numbers) who can reflect on the applicant's professional strengths.
• All application material must be in electronic submissions in Word format by closing date or the individual will not be considered for the position.
• Transcripts: undergraduate and graduate (unofficial copy will be accepted, no fax accepted hard copy by mail or electronic only).
• Send to EHRRecruitment@mail.wvu.edu.
• NOTE: All application material, excluding transcripts (hard copy), must be received by closing date or the individual will not be considered for the position.

Social Justice:

Equal Employment Opportunity: