TITLE: The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production LOCATION: West Louisville Extension Office DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program REPORTS TO: Program Leader CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production (Jefferson County) is a member of the off-campus public service staff of Kentucky State University. The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production provides unbiased, research-based, practical, and useful information to underserve and historically disadvantaged Kentuckians through virtual and in-person methods. The Extension Assistant for Urban Horticultural Production reports to the Community Resources Development Program Manager. This position will serve all clientele ensuring that all youth and adults have equal opportunity to participate in Extension programs regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or age. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Collaborate with 4-H Agents, schools, community members, and others to establish gardening, farming, hydroponic, greenhouse planting, and aquaculture programs.
Assist with the implementation and maintenance of community gardens and farms producing specialty crops, livestock, grains, and other agriculture products.
Provide technical assistance and programs related to urban soil health, soil ecology, climate resiliency, gardening, farming, hydroponic, greenhouse planting, aquaculture and sustainability.
Serve as a conduit to additional programming and information available at Kentucky State University such as community gardening, school gardening urban agriculture, vegetable production, aquaponics, and other related programming.
Deliver educational programming using a range of approaches and media, including but not limited to one-on-one meetings, workshops, field days, site visits, phone calls, email, and other virtual methods of communication.
Works collaboratively with Extension specialists and associates in the piloting and implementation of urban Extension relevant programs.
Recruit volunteers, create and utilize the expertise of advisory groups, community leaders, public officials, and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and assist in developing educational programs.
Advise farmers on opportunities to apply for available grant programs such as the KSU Small Scale Farm Program grants, USDA grants, and other grant programs.
Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and underrepresented audiences' representative of the service area including Limited English Proficient individuals.
Serve as a link between researchers and specialists and the local communities served.
Demonstrate personal interest and involvement in the community by participating in and supporting civic/community activities/organizations and networking with community leaders
Establishes, maintains, and updates files, databases, records, and/or other documents; develops and maintains data, and performs routine analyses and calculations in the processing of data for recurring internal reports.
Assists in conducting farm activities such as planting, irrigating, weeding, and harvesting.
Other related duties as required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Extensive knowledge of horticulture in urban settings (small scale farming, small space gardening, vertical gardening, intercropping, problem solving pest and weed pressures, etc).
Knowledge of organic and non-organic production systems.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.
Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Skill in the use of personal computers and related software packages.
Records maintenance skills.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Ability to plan and teach educational programs.
Ability to work well in teams.
Ability and understanding of the Land Grant mission and vision, University policies, procedures and objectives in planning and conducting Extension programs.
Knowledge of federal and state agricultural agencies. knowledge of Agricultural crops.
Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently are essential.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Requires standing, lifting, loading and unloading tools, twisting, kneeling, bending, and walking.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. required.
This position requires some night meetings, weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings.
A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the university
Field research involves extended physical exertion.
Exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
OTHER DUTIES:
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, agribusiness management, agricultural education, or a related field.
Licensing and Certifications: NA Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply. ACKNOWLEDGMENT I have received, reviewed and fully understand the job description for ____________________. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described. Employee Name __________________________________________ Date _____________________ (printed name) Employee Signature _________________________________________________ KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
