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Career Opportunity: Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist, Sustainable and Urban Food Systems, Cooperative Extension, School of Agriculture, Agency 234

Position Number: F0305

Salary Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Appointment Date: Open Until Filled

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Extension Faculty/ Specialist appointment is held in the Cooperative Extension Department of the School of Agriculture at the University. The Extension Specialist, Sustainable and Urban Food Systems, will strategically develop, plan, implement and evaluate educational outreach programs in Urban and Sustainable Food Systems. The educational programs will holistically address the issues of small-scale crop and livestock production and marketing within the conceptual framework of sustainability and environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The Extension Specialist, Urban & Sustainable Food Systems, will work directly with Extension agents/educators, grass-roots organizations and volunteers to provide educational programming. Examples of educational programming are campus and field-based on-farm demonstrations, workshops, conferences, field days, tours, displays at public events and mass media presentations held at Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm and at other locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Extension Specialist, Urban & Sustainable Food Systems, will develop appropriate in-service training programs in sustainable and urban agriculture for those interested in Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, and 4H/ Youth Development agents/educators, as well as other stakeholders. The Extension Faculty/ Specialist will develop and actively market sustainable production and marketing publications and fact sheets. The incumbent will develop grant proposals concerning sustainable and urban production and marketing of crops, livestock, and non-timber forest products. It is also expected that the selected candidate will prepare and submit quarterly reports, an annual progress report, and other reports as requested. The selected candidate will be expected to conduct research and may be assigned teaching responsibilities when necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree (Ph.D. preferred) in horticulture, sustainable agriculture, agronomy or another agriculture sciences related field is required. Knowledge and demonstrated experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs. Operating knowledge of the USDA’s National Organic Program and Good Agricultural Practices. Knowledge of the Virginia Cooperative Extension System.  Knowledge and understanding of the 1890/1862 land-grant system relationship and 1890 target audiences. Knowledge/experience in Urban agriculture and production and marketing of both organic crops and naturally produced livestock. Industry experience in sustainable certified organic livestock, crop production, and whole farm systems will be given consideration. Demonstrated ability to work with limited resource audiences and economically disadvantaged audiences.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing; to write publications and fact sheets; and to write grant proposals and to successfully implement grant funded programs. Demonstrated ability to effectively network with organizations and agencies in program development and delivery and to present to large and small audiences in a professional manner. Skills in technological communication (Email, Skype, Webinar, Social media applications, Microsoft Office Suite and alike).

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications through the online state Recruitment Management System (RMS) at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. Resumes do not substitute for a complete online application. Faxed, e-mailed, or mailed applications will not be accepted. Interested persons must attach a letter of interest, a current resume/vita, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (if available) of three professional reference.

Copies of transcripts and three (3) letters of reference must be attached to online application or mailed to:

Office of Human Resources
Virginia State University
1 Hayden Drive, Box 9412
Virginia State University, Virginia 23806

Your name and the position number (FO305) must be clearly identifiable on each item submitted. Official transcripts and three (3) letters of reference will be required prior to employment. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Screening of applications will commence immediately.

The selected candidate(s) will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

_{VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.}