Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut contributes to a sustainable future through scientific discovery, innovation, and community engagement. CAHNR’s accomplishments result in safe, sustainable, and secure plant and animal production systems, healthier individuals and communities, greater protection and conservation of our environment and natural resources, balanced growth of the economy, and resilient local and global communities. We epitomize the role of a land-grant university, which is to develop knowledge and disseminate it through the three academic functions of teaching, research, and outreach. In so doing, we improve the lives of citizens of our state, region, and country.

The Department of Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time, non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, based at the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn, CT to serve as the Diversified Livestock Field Based Extension Specialist. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension and/or teaching livestock production to Extension audiences. The anticipated start date is September 2024.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating impactful extension programs primarily related to commercial livestock production. Livestock species shall include but not be limited to beef, sheep, swine, and goats. Impactful extension programs are the result of identifying local needs in collaboration with industry stakeholders, selecting appropriate teaching strategies for engaging clientele in outcome-focused educational programs, working with diverse audiences to ensure access to learning opportunities, and having an active presence throughout Connecticut. The successful candidate will utilize innovative, research-informed, and pedagogically-sound educational approaches to deliver timely, evidence-based solutions for livestock-related issues and will collaborate with clientele to provide new solutions to emerging issues. The successful candidate will cultivate strong relationships with other faculty, departments, programs, agencies, allied industry professionals, and producer organizations to enhance the impact of extension efforts. Potential areas for programming include but are not limited to animal health and nutrition, housing, food safety, and nutrient management. It is expected the individual will pursue internal and external funding to support extension programs and develop a diverse portfolio of educational materials for Extension clients and scholarly materials for professional peers.

To fulfill the Extension mission, the successful candidate will perform other appropriate duties as needed or assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. An earned Masters in animal science or closely related field.
2. For consideration at the Associate position level, candidates must have at least five years of experience as an Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator or the equivalent and provide evidence of appropriate Extension program of work.
3. Demonstrated experience in the field of livestock production.
4. Demonstrated communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
5. Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills.
6. Personal transportation and a driver’s license are required; a mileage allowance is provided for Extension-related travel. Evening and weekend work may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate impactful extension programs.
2. Knowledge of teaching and learning theories and models for youth and adult audiences.
3. Experience developing peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
4. Experience serving in leadership positions, particularly within an agricultural context.
5. Experience working with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.
6. Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.
7. Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of September 20, 2024. The successful candidate’s appointment will be at the Windham County Extension Center. Faculty may also be asked to travel statewide as part of their ordinary workload. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27487 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.) Max one page.
• 3 letters of reference.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately. For more information regarding the Department of Extension please visit the department website at https://cahnr.uconn.edu/extension/.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.