Agent, Urban Horticultural Production and Management Specialist

Job Description Summary

• Organization's Summary Statement:
• University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

• Position Summary:
• University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for the 12-month tenure-track position of Agent to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer expertise in urban horticultural production and management to growers, agricultural service providers, and UME personnel throughout Maryland. The candidate will have training in the principles of urban horticultural production and management and familiarity with urban agriculture in the state. The incumbent will also serve as the Maryland representative for urban horticultural production and management information and training efforts. The position will be based at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center-Clarksville, Ellicott City, Maryland.

• Responsibilities:
• The Specialist is a member of a diverse team (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UME, and key stakeholder groups) working on applied research and extension education for urban agriculture. The individual will provide leadership for relevant urban horticultural production and management programming within the Agriculture and Food Systems Program, one of four UME program areas.

The incumbent will conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities. The Specialist is expected to develop an extramurally funded applied research program focused on the use of horticultural production and management strategies for urban agriculture in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions. The Specialist will develop scholarly works and educate the public on research related to urban horticultural production and management. Excellent farm, greenhouse, and laboratory facilities are available to carry out the research program.

A majority of the Specialist’s time will be spent developing and providing educational programming for urban farmers on crop production and management, which comprises the following:

• •Planning and scheduling crop planting and harvesting in urban areas, including indoors (e.g., greenhouses, high-tunnel production systems) and outdoors.
• •Production management practices for controlled-environment agriculture systems.
• •Growing trials and production method demonstrations for crops grown in urban areas, including specialty crops such as heritage and ethnic vegetables, herbs, microgreens, mushrooms, and cut flowers.
• •Propagation and transplant production.
• •Training on and certifications for good agricultural practices and organic production.
• •Workforce development training.
• •Any other topic regarding urban farming production methods and crop management the Extension specialist, in consultation urban farmers and agricultural service providers located in urban areas, determines is necessary.

The Specialist will contribute to the development of recommendations for urban horticultural production and management operations; present information using websites, extension publications, academic journals, mass media, social media, webcasts, and at research and education meetings; gather and communicate research information to UME personnel; and contribute to urban horticulture demonstrations at university research and education centers. The individual will collaborate closely with farmers, field and campus Extension colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, agricultural leaders, and other stakeholders to address urban agriculture issues.

The Specialist will use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that delivers, measures, and interprets the impacts of programs and engagements regarding urban agriculture in Maryland and beyond. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust Extension education program that engages participants in a collaborative-learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.

• The Specialist will support youth development programs related to urban agriculture.
• The individual works to ensure that Extension priorities and initiatives are addressed for target audiences. The Specialist will participate in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in urban horticultural production and management and extension pedagogy. The incumbent will also serve on department, college, and university committees as assigned, and as opportunity and expertise permits. The Specialist is responsible to work intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs through education designed to meet the needs of all commercial urban agricultural producers.

The incumbent represents UME and the University of Maryland, College Park. The Specialist ensures that educational programming is in alignment with UME’s current strategic plan and plan of work, especially as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with university policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.

In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director and Program Leader, Agriculture and Food Systems Program.

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Education:
• M.S. degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field of study with a strong background in one or more aspects of urban agriculture production.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• •Demonstrated clear understanding of the practice of extension education.
• •Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills, and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• •Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of ability to work with colleagues, students, industry, and other clientele.
• •Evidence of ability to conduct applied research to improve urban farm and agribusiness production management and sustainability.
• •Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• •Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out of state travel may also be required.
• •Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need.

• Physical Demands:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• •This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• •A routine part of this position’s responsibilities is to transport materials to and from field research plots and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently