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Agriculture Extension Associate

companyUniversity of Kentucky
locationFayette County, Lexington, KY, USA
PublishedPublished: 12/8/2024
Natural and Environmental Sciences
Full Time
$17 - $27 per hour

Job Title
Agriculture Extension Associate


Requisition Number
RE48402


Working Title

Department Name
81110:Horticulture


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Grade Level
42


Salary Range
$17.41-27.87/hour


Type of Position
Staff


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Required Education


BA




Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies


Required Related Experience


No experience required.




Required License/Registration/Certification

None



Physical Requirements

Lifting up to 50 lbs, sitting and/or standing for long periods



Shift

Days (Typically Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm)



Job Summary

The Department of Horticulture at the University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate to support sustainable fruit crop production. This role is a part of the Extension Associate Team funded by the Kentucky Horticulture Council grant and aims to enhance fruit extension outreach and applied research. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, specialists, other extension associates, and growers to design, develop, and deliver educational programs and resources related to horticultural crop production and marketing.



This position will contribute to two key extension initiatives:
  • Kentucky Small Fruit Initiative: A project that has invested over $936,000 in on-farm projects, engaging 275 existing and 76 pre-commercial fruit growers in 89 Kentucky counties.
  • Kentucky Modern Orchard Systems and Climate Resilience Extension and Research Orchard: A new research and demonstration orchard focused on developing and adopting production techniques that enhance the economic viability and climate resilience of orchard crops in Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Engagement with Growers: Maintain regular contact with fruit growers across Kentucky through farm visits, phone calls, and emails.
  • Educational Content Development: Write, edit, and distribute educational materials in a variety of formats and media types (E.g. Publications, Videos, Graphics, Social Media)
  • Demonstrations & Field Events: Coordinate and support on-farm demonstrations, field days, and educational events across the state.
  • Workshops & Meetings: Plan, advertise, and lead topical educational meetings for growers and county extension agents.
  • State and National Outreach: Represent the University of Kentucky at state, regional, and national extension meetings, presenting findings and program updates.
  • Data Collection & Research: Assist with trial setup, data collection at university research farms, and collaborate with grower partners.
  • Reporting: Maintain detailed reports on activities, contacts, outcomes, and the impact of extension initiatives.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
  • Strong data assimilation and presentation skills, including proficiency in digital communication tools.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences, from farmers to academic professionals



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience
  • At least 1 year of experience in fruit production systems
  • In-depth knowledge of fruit production systems through formal education and practical experience
  • Previous experience working with growers and extension programs
  • Experience in creating and delivering successful educational programs
  • Driver’s license preferred



Deadline to Apply
01/01/2025


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Salary range

  • $17 - $27 per hour