Faculty Employment Opportunity!

Extension Agent
Wood County, West Virginia

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

Brief Description:

The West Virginia University Extension Service seeks an educator to promote and deliver educational programs that will enhance the productivity, economic vitality, and sustainability of agricultural and natural resources industries in Wood County.

This position is assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources program unit of the WVU Extension Service and will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive Extension education program in the areas of agriculture and natural resources for adult and youth audiences. Planning, developing, and implementing programs will require the candidate to work with county and other state agencies and organizations and WVU faculty in neighboring counties. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist in educating landowners and agribusiness persons on production agriculture, agricultural marketing, and business development issues.
• Enhance the economic viability of small farms and woodlots to maintain their viability.
• Develop and deliver programming in horticulture including small fruit and vegetable production, home horticulture, and a Master Gardener program.
• Work with county and regional economic development agencies to incorporate agriculture, and natural resources-based economic development strategies into economic development plans and programs.
• Facilitate and assist with public policy education pertaining to agriculture, land use, conservation, and management of natural and community resources.
• Collaborate with agencies, key stakeholders, civic groups, local governments, and other Extension faculty in the region to provide a broad array of integrated and multicounty programs.
• Support 4-H and other youth development programs with appropriate subject matter expertise in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. Coordinate the county 4-H youth livestock program and show and judging teams. Develop volunteer leadership with these areas.  Assist with major county 4-H activities such as 4-H camp.
• Collaborate with county Extension staff to present a unified and coordinated county WVU Extension program effort.

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. At least one degree must be in an agriculture-related field of study. In addition to the required master’s degree, an equivalent combination of directly related experience in agriculture may be accepted in lieu of the specific degree requirement.
• A Category 11 West Virginia pesticide applicator’s certification must be obtained during the first six months of employment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.
• Documented evidence of ability to use research skills, assess needs, evaluate programs, and conduct applied research related to area of placement.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working with government agencies and other federal/state partners, community groups, etc., are desirable.
• Must possess the ability to manage and supervise volunteers and develop resources to meet program expectations. 

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.
• Final appointment to the position is subject to the approval of the Wood 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:

If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, all of the following information must be received by the closing date of May 9, 2008:

• 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, including transcripts (hard copy), must be received by closing date or the individual will not be considered for the position.

For inquiries, call:

Social Justice:

The incumbent in this position is responsible for fulfilling the legal and moral mandates of appropriate laws and University policies regarding civil rights compliance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related social justice issues.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applicants will be considered solely on the basis of individual qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Minorities, persons with disabilities, females and other protected class members are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants needing reasonable accommodations during the employment process should advise as necessary.

Submitted by Kim Suder.