PAY GRADE: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Carvel Research and Education Center serves as the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ southern Agricultural Experiment Station and is located near Georgetown, Delaware. This well-equipped station, comprising 350 acres, is the primary facility for vegetable and grain crop research. Plant and Soil Sciences faculty and Cooperative Extension staff are located there and include a strong multidisciplinary vegetable team with expertise in weed science, irrigation, agronomy, plant pathology, plant breeding, and entomology. Cooperative Extension enjoys the support of a dynamic agricultural community.  The incumbent’s responsibilities will include interactions with the farmers and ag industry throughout Delaware. Major vegetables crops for Delaware include lima bean, snap beans, peas, sweet corn, spinach, tomatoes, pumpkins, watermelon, ethnic vegetables and more.

This position is part of a dynamic team of specialists and agents working on vegetable crops important to Delaware’s agricultural community. Delaware is a regional leader in the production of fresh market and processing vegetable crops.  This position will work closely with the Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist to develop a research and outreach program to benefit vegetable producers in Delaware.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact with growers, agricultural industry reps, and government agencies to ensure research and extension needs are identified and are addressed through educational methods.
• Collaborate with University of Delaware (UD) and researchers to conduct appropriate research for vegetables.
• Collaborate with extension agents and specialists to plan, adopt, and/or facilitate research based educational programs.
• Execute appropriate delivery methods to teach clientele new practices, procedures, and skills based on the latest research findings. Conduct education to improve vegetable production practices in the areas of fertility, soil health, plant stress mitigation, variety selection, or other cultural practices.
• Supervise miscellaneous wage employees to assist with research.
• Present practices based on the best available research at local and state grower meetings.
• Serve as the Secretary of the Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association of Delaware.
• Work with agents and specialists to plan fruit and vegetable extension events across the state including the vegetable sessions at Delaware Ag Week.
• Coordinate and edit the Weekly Crop Update (WCU) newsletter. 
• Contribute to the Extension Vegetable and Fruit Program website.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. A degree in horticulture or plant science is preferred, but a degree in entomology, plant pathology, agronomy, soils, fertility, environmental science, crop science or ag/biological engineering background will be considered.
• Experience with vegetable or fruit crops.  Experience with fertility and soil health is preferred.
• Effective organizational, management and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate and interact well with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds is expected.
• Comfort with digital means for extension outreach. Ability to generate impact reports.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.