AG Small Farms & Master Gardener Coordinator Details

AG Small Farms & Master Gardener Coordinator

Oregon State University - Newport, OR

Employment Type : Full-Time

The Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Program invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE) Small Farms and Master Gardener Coordinator position. This position will serve Lincoln County and will be affiliated with the Department of Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The duties for this position will be 75% Small Farms and 25% Master Gardener Program Oversight. Decisions regarding this position will be in consultation with the supervision team.

As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research and outreach and engagement, OSU promotes economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. This position contributes to the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences, with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program development, delivery, and evaluation, and for conducting applied research needed to support Extension activities.

This Small Farms and Master Gardener Coordinator develops and conducts educational programs and contributes to applied field research activities in topic areas relevant to commercial small farms and community horticulture. The individual will work collaboratively with area agricultural producers, agriculture and natural resource agencies, and OSU faculty to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate educational programs and provide farm-related problem-solving services.

This position provides leadership for programming related to commercial and non-commercial small farms in Lincoln County. In this role, the professional faculty member will utilize farmer and community-based organizations in an advisory capacity to identify and implement educational programs and applied research to fit local needs, and collaborate with Small Farms Program faculty to bring programming into the region. This includes participating in Small Farms Program efforts including planning meetings, and contributions to web, newsletter, the annual Small Farms Conference and Small Farms School, and other educational resources. In addition, the professional faculty member will build community, agency, and OSU support for future expansion of Small Farms programming in the region.

This position also provides leadership for the Lincoln County Master Gardener volunteer program. In this role the professional faculty member oversees volunteer recruitment, training and retention; organizes volunteer middle managers; and collaborates with the local Master Gardener Associations. The incumbent is expected to develop community horticulture classes in coastal gardening for the general public, for delivery personally or through volunteers or other collaborators.

Oregon State University is committed to practicing and delivery of tools for state-of-the-science interaction and engagement of partners and stakeholders. This professional faculty member is required to use modern learning tools, employ and practice engaged scholarship, promote integration of programs across disciplines that are demand-driven and use open source tools that continually align with innovation and shifts in educational program delivery.

Active and effective communication with staff and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position. This position will require traveling.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence:
Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language Access regulations. In addition, this individual will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation.

For more information on our commitment to inclusive excellence:
OSU Extension Service https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion
OSU Moving Forward Together https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together
Position DutiesThis Small Farms and Master Gardener Coordinator embeds the commitment of OSU Extension Service to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed. This individual will ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. Our objective is to create opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and these activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.

The expectations in this position are to link program level output with the overall OSUES and OSU brand in all opportunities, as well as to provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers the understanding and context on how the program level Extension work relates to overall OSUES programming output. Annually provide impact statement reports adhering to OSUES criteria.

This position focuses on horticulture (including crops, cropping systems and home horticulture) primarily in the North Coast region of Oregon, with 70% of the efforts focused on Small Farms, 20% towards Community Horticulture, and 5% each to organizational accountability and service. This position will:

70% – SMALL FARMS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide education opportunities and management strategies for small farm producers of agricultural crops and animals to meet producer goals, including integrated pest management, crop production, marketing, and natural resource conservation and enhancement.
• Provide direct education, produce technical and information materials, coordinate educational events, and respond to subject matter questions in areas of expertise in the OSU Small Farms outreach program.
• Assist in reviewing, editing, updating, and developing Extension publications on agricultural crops and community horticulture in the region (e.g. production practices guides, integrated pest management and nutrient management guides, etc.).
• Respond to or refer routine phone, correspondence and walk-in questions related to all aspects of agricultural crop management.
• Determine program needs and priorities through use of local advisory groups and/or networks, producer and marketing associations, community development groups and meetings with crop producers and local leaders on an individual or neighborhood basis. Assess design of, and impact of, educational and applied research programs.
• Explore and develop appropriate information and program delivery systems utilizing research results from disciplines associated with agriculture, education, marketing, community development and environmental management. Potential tools include newsletters, email lists, web pages, social media, publications, fact sheets, individual and small group meetings, workshops, demonstrations and field days.
• Participate in Small Farms Program efforts including statewide Small Farms Program team meetings, and contributing to web, newsletter, Small Farms Conference and Small Farm School, and other educational resources.
• Serve as a liaison to area organizations that serve the position’s target audiences.

20% MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide leadership and volunteer management for the local Master Gardener volunteer program in Lincoln County. Recruit, train, support and recognize accomplishments of volunteers. Establish effective volunteer mentoring and middle management structures/systems. Maintain volunteers’ focus on educational outcomes and ensure use of research-based information as the basis for education and outreach. Implement and maintain effective volunteer reporting systems, including systems to ensure compliance with civil rights requirements. Serve as mentor and liaison to the Lincoln County Master Gardener Associations.
• Develop active programs for updating and re-certifying trained Master Gardeners, with a focus on coastal gardening.
• Supervise classified support staff and any students and temporary personnel as needed. This includes hiring, planning and assigning work, approving leave requests, preparing and signing performance evaluation, and working with RD and the appropriate Human Resources Office on disciplinary actions. Supervise, or assist with supervision of, staff members who work in support of the Master Gardener and Home Horticulture program.
• Contribute to collaborative Master Gardener training programs as needed beyond the assigned regions (Central Coast and Mid-Valley).
• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate community horticulture programs that address identified needs of gardeners, home and commercial landscape managers, and the general public along the Oregon coast.
• Provide technical education, coordinate, and design community horticulture education programs including Master Gardener program, and support adult Master Gardener volunteers in their community educational roles. Work with Agriculture and Forestry faculty as appropriate in the program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Offer educational events eligible for pesticide license recertification credits in topics germane to the position’s target audiences.
• Cooperate with other OSU faculty on research priorities, demonstration trials and distribution of information about research findings.
• Utilize College of Agricultural Sciences working groups approach to team with up with other OSU, USDA-ARS and other scientists, as appropriate, to accomplish these assignments. Ongoing coordination of activities with other agricultural sciences faculty at OSU is essential.

5% – ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Utilize technology successfully as a tool to increase the impact of program delivery on constituents including participating with Ask-an-Expert (Ask Extension).
• Use multiple methods of electronic communication to collaborate internally and externally as appropriate.
• Implement fee-based programming and cost-recovery practices, develop partnerships, and solicit external funding to support and enhance educational programs as appropriate.
• Develop an annual plan of work addressing educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences as appropriate.
• Organize and maintain program advisory and management committees or networks to identify program needs, make recommendations, assist in program implementation, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Seek external funding to support and enhance position-appropriate educational and applied research programs.
• Evaluate and communicate the outcomes of program activities and file reports required by county, department, college and university administrators.
• Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, and service.

5% – SERVICE

• Be actively involved in regional and statewide Extension programs that promote engagement with communities across the state.
• Cooperate with agencies and organizations in Lincoln County and other relevant locations of the Pacific Northwest. Serve on College, Departmental, and/or Extension committees as appropriate.
• Attend university, Extension, industry and professional organization training and in-service programs to improve ability and knowledge to provide effective service to area farmers and allied industry personnel.
• Maintain active membership and involvement in professional organizations.
• Participate in training opportunities that provides professional development that includes building expertise around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Market Extension programs locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Contribute to a welcoming and respectful workplace culture.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with academic studies directly related to horticulture, agriculture, botany, entomology, plant pathology, or a related field; or an Associate’s degree in Agriculture or Natural Resources with at least 3 years cumulative professional experience in the agricultural sector.
• Demonstrated teaching and organizational skills that are appropriate for adult learners and volunteers.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the effective use of mass and electronic media.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member with other professionals and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• Master’s degree with academic studies directly related to horticulture, agriculture, botany, entomology, plant pathology, or a related field. Degree must be completed by application date.
• Demonstrated ability to engage Spanish-speaking audiences through the utilization of bi-literate and bicultural skills.
• One or more years’ experience with Extension or other informal or community adult education delivery methods.
• Demonstrated experience in horticultural and/or agronomic crop production.
• Demonstrated skills in plant problem diagnosis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead/supervise volunteers.
• One or more publications in print that are geared to general audiences (e.g. newspaper or magazine articles), Extension audiences (e.g. Extension publications), and/or professional audiences (e.g. peer-reviewed or refereed publications).
• Pest management (insects, weeds or diseases) training.
• Demonstrated experience using multiple forms of electronic communication, including social media.
• Demonstrated understanding of needs and impact assessment techniques and their application to outreach and education programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funding support.
• Experience working with historically marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated life experience, education, and/or training that broadens capacity to equalize the success of or impact on underserved audiences.

Working Conditions / Work ScheduleFlexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Ability to lift, carry and transport equipment and materials up to 40 lbs.

Travel is required.
This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities. No Posting Number P04675UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 10/01/2021
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 08/05/2021
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 09/12/2021
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to ApplicantsWhen applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Diversity Statement: Share how you would go about creating more inclusive programming and reaching underserved audiences in your work.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: Lauren Gwin at Lauren.Gwin@oregonstate.edu.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.