Work Location: The desired position will primarily focus on agronomic crops (Soybeans) in the Southwest Region for the three-parish area of St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary parishes. The position will be domiciled at the St. Mary Parish Extension Office in Franklin, Louisiana. Additionally, the role will involve contributing to precision agriculture programming for various commodities across the Southwest Region.
Position Description:
This is a non-tenure track, agent level position (100% Extension ANR) with a primary focus on agronomic crops, particularly soybeans, in designated parishes within the LSU AgCenter's Southwest Region. The assigned parishes for agronomic programming include St. Mary, St. Martin, and Iberia parishes. Moreover, the position requires knowledge in precision agriculture programming. The Agent will provide research-based information and educational opportunities in soybean production to producers and related agricultural industries in the three-parish region using various methods such as on-farm visits, area-wide demonstrations, workshops, field days, and other educational meetings. The Agent will also establish advisory committees to identify clientele needs, develop extension programming, implement a program evaluation system, and report program accomplishments and impacts annually.
The responsibilities of the Agent include disseminating LSU AgCenter recommendations, contributing to the web page of assigned parishes, and providing pesticide re-certification training. Additionally, the position will involve educating and informing various commodities about precision agriculture, including applications like variable rate application, yield monitoring and analysis, and drone applications. Workshops, farm visits, demonstrations, and field days will be utilized for this purpose. The Agent is expected to collaborate with other ANR Agents with precision ag responsibilities and state-level precision ag specialists to develop programming and share relevant information. As an Extension employee, the agent must prioritize professional development and stay updated with agriculture and natural resources research and its application to programming. Effective teamwork with other Extension faculty at the parish, region, and state levels is crucial, and the agent may be assigned other tasks by supervisor(s). Administratively, the agent will work under the supervision and direction of the parish chair and regional director. To meet the needs of the clientele, some overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends may be required to attend and conduct training sessions.
Qualification Requirements: Applicants for this position are required to hold a bachelor's degree in agronomy, plant sciences, environmental sciences, horticulture, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in any of these fields and/or experience in row crop production, specifically soybean production, would be considered advantageous. The minimum undergraduate grade-point average required is 2.5 (based on a 4.0 system), and for graduate work attempted, a 3.0 GPA is necessary.
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for the candidate. Experience in planning and implementing educational programs and the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals and groups are desired qualifications. Knowledge of public relations and the ability to adapt to changing situations are highly desirable attributes.
Moreover, the successful candidate should be capable of working harmoniously with others and be self-sufficient in handling tasks with minimal supervision.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Conditions of Employment: The candidate must have a personal automobile with appropriate insurance coverage (travel allowance provided) and be prepared for some evening and weekend work. A cell phone is mandatory for this position. Within the first two years of employment, satisfactory completion of two specific graduate-level extension courses (totaling 6 credit hours) is generally required. Additionally, faculty members without a related Master's degree must finish an additional 9 hours of relevant graduate-level coursework to be eligible for promotion to associate agent. This promotion should occur within the first seven years of employment. It is important to note that while additional agent experience may be substituted for nine hours of coursework, it cannot replace the two required courses.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: January 13, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a cover letter with resume including a statement of professional interest and goals, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted. In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:
Dr. Toby Lepley
Southwest Region Office
1373 Caffey Road, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 225-578-4161
Email tlepley@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and applications will be accepted without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age or disability. Information on Equal Employment can be obtained from the EEO and Civil Rights Coordinator, 103 J. Norman Efferson Hall, 110 LSU Union Square, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone 225.578.2258. It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to employ only United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
