Area Extension Agent
Plant Science/Agronomy
#11-08
Golden Plains Area
Position is housed in Kit Carson County, Burlington, CO
Deadline -- May 19, 2008
The Golden Plains Area is a five county partnership between Phillips, Yuma, Kit Carson, Sedgwick and Washington counties. Eleven Agents from 5 offices across the Area deliver diverse programming and work cooperatively with some of Colorado's most progressive agricultural producers. Approximately 30,500 people live in the five county Area. The area's population is predominantly white; sixteen percent is of Hispanic background.
The Area's predominant feature is its High Plains location above the Ogallala Aquifer accommodating deep well, center pivot irrigated crop production. Agriculture serves as the economic base for the area. The wells, and the Area's climate, allow corn and wheat farmers to consistently raise top yields among all of Colorado's counties. One of the five counties (Yuma) has topped national average corn production on more than one year. Limited irrigation is a growing production practice as drought and interstate water compact issues have reduced water availability. Consequently, Colorado State Extension Agents and Specialists are working closely with Golden Plains Area producers to develop and implement irrigation and cropping strategies that sustain profitable farm business operations. CSU Extension Agents have assisted in developing dryland crop producers to become regional leaders in using no-till farming and integrated cropping systems that optimize the use of the limited precipitation for this area as well as enhance net farm incomes. The Golden Plains Area accounts for 35% of Colorado's wheat production, 61% of the corn for grain production, 48% of all sunflower production, 38% of the dry edible bean production, 32% of the sugar beet production and 8% of all hay production. Corn and forage production support a large livestock production industry that is also a major economic influence with numerous cow/calf and large confined animal feeding operations (beef and pork) located here. Interest and development of renewable energy is a growing industry with corn ethanol and wind energy production currently in place. The natural resources that support the agricultural industry also support plentiful outdoor wildlife and recreational activities.
This position is housed in Burlington, CO. Burlington is a rural community of approximately 3,800 located in the southern portion of the Golden Plains Area. It features a quality educational system, health care facilities and staff, and numerous recreational opportunities. Burlington is the county seat of Kit Carson County. Burlington is in close proximity of neighboring trade centers of Goodland, KS. It is approximately 170 miles east of Denver, Fort Collins and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For more information regarding the Golden Plains Area Extension, please refer to http://goldenplains.colostate.edu/. For more information regarding Extension at Colorado State University, see www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html.
DEADLINE:
Resume, letter of application and transcripts of college course work showing degrees conferred must be RECEIVED no later than May 19, 2008 for full consideration. Letter of application should address all required and desirable training and experience, and provide contact information (including email address if available) for four references. Note: Applicant will be notified PRIOR to references being contacted. Email materials to cepersonnel@ext.colostate.edu. You may also fax all or portions of requested materials to 970-491-6208.
For questions regarding the application process, contact 970-491-7866 or cepersonnel@ext.colostate.edu.
For questions regarding the job vacancy and responsibilities, please contact JoAnn Powell, 970-491-7887 or joann.powell@colostate.edu.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of agronomy educational programs for adults and youth in the Golden Plains Area Counties. To work cooperatively with other Extension agents and specialists, university faculty and researchers, and agribusiness industry and community partners to develop and deliver quality plant science and agronomic educational programming and information of benefit to Coloradoans.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS:
The individual in this position works as a member of an area team of eleven educators, is a local representative of Colorado State University, and works under the guidance of the Golden Plains Area Extension Director. There is also potential for a joint appointment in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences upon the review and approval of the department's faculty. The successful candidate will:
- Develop, market, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational programming to enhance current agronomic production practices.
- Develop relationships with the local plant science industry including producers, agencies and organizations to continually assess agronomic opportunities and identify needs. Engage such diverse groups in the development of program direction and evaluation of program effectiveness.
- Develop and conduct applied research/demonstration trials and programs.
- Actively participate in one or more Extension work teams to provide agronomic expertise for program and information development, delivery and evaluation efforts statewide. See http://www.ext.colostate.edu/staffres/program/cca_wt.html for a description of core competency areas and work team descriptions.
- Provide program and information delivery support to colleagues in area(s) of specified expertise as appropriate.
- Maintain a high level of proficiency in the subject matter field.
- Effectively communicate and coordinate resources, research and programming with personnel/staff of Colorado State University and other organizations.
- Use technology and media resources to extend information and educational opportunities to Coloradoans.
- Seek out and manage external funding sources to support programming efforts, practice cost recovery.
- Provide leadership and assistance with other activities as assigned by Extension.
- Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies including reaching out to under served and under represented audiences.
SALARY:
Salary will be commensurate with training and experience.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED:
- Master's degree in plant science, agronomy, crop and soil science, bio-ag science, weed science or a closely related field must be completed prior to beginning employment.
- Demonstrated skill working with people as individuals, and groups, and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with producers, other professionals and organizations to accomplish goals.
- Evidence of drive and initiative (must be a self-starter).
- Ability to communicate (oral, written, listening and presentation skills).
- Leadership ability as demonstrated by professional experience and/or elected/appointed positions of responsibility.
- Computer literacy as demonstrated by evidence of computer use in an educational setting, including, but not limited to program development, delivery, and/or management.
- Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, a commitment to include diverse voices in program prioritization and planning, and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
DESIRABLE:
- Experience or coursework in agricultural business management as related to field crop production and marketing.
- Understanding of crop systems relevant to this region.
- Experience with on-farm research or demonstration projects.
- Experience in identifying audience needs, developing programs and evaluating impacts of programs.
- Experience in writing grants, contracts and cost-recovery.
- Spanish speaking ability.
BENEFITS:
Based on full-time employment. Twenty-four working days vacation each year, 15 days sick leave. Enrollment in group health, life and accident insurance, various retirement plans, work injury benefits, and disability insurance are all available.
Available personal transportation required, travel allowance provided. Colorado State University provides an allowance for moving new employees.
Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and complies with all federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements in all programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services Building. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.
Colorado State University Extension operates in compliance with the same laws and executive orders as the University as administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture relations. As a part of the USDA regulations, the Extension Equal Employment Opportunity representative may be contacted at 1311 South College Avenue, Room 102, Colorado State University.
Under the Colorado Open Records Law in order for application materials to be treated as confidential a specific written request that all materials submitted be held in confidence must accompany your application. Such confidentiality cannot be extended to those identified as "finalists" i.e. selected for interview by the Search Committee.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an investigative background check.
Additional information may be obtained at our Web site: www.ext.colostate.edu (click on Employment) or by contacting:
Judith A. Barth, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Operations
Colorado State University Extension
4040 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040
(970) 491-7866
E-mail: Extension Personnel cepersonnel@ext.colostate.edu
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