Work Location: The position will be domiciled in the LSU AgCenter's Northwest Region and will support the general horticultural needs of stakeholders in Lincoln and Bienville Parishes. Currently, the position is designated to be housed in the Lincoln Parish Extension Office (Ruston, Louisiana). The position will support consumer and commercial horticulture.
Position Description: This is a non-tenure track, agent level position (100% Extension) with responsibilities for primarily horticultural extension programs in Lincoln Parish and Bienville Parish. The Assistant/Associate/Extension Agent will provide leadership for and work with producers, homeowners, commercial horticulturists, and other LSU AgCenter personnel to plan and organize well-balanced extension educational programs. Some examples of the activities conducted include, but are not limited to, school/community gardens, demonstrations, workshops, Master Gardener programs, and educational meetings. The Assistant/Associate/Extension Agent will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations, contribute to the parish web pages and maintain current information for clientele. The Assistant/Associate/Extension Agent is responsible for working with advisory committees to identify clientele needs. to develop programs that respond to those needs, and to assess program impact. The successful candidate will be required to prepare a strategic plan for the development and execution of an educational program emphasizing stakeholder horticulture interests and needs. The Assistant/Associate/Extension Agent will support programming needs for the horticulture industry in collaboration with the Northwest Regional network of ANR agents. The candidate will be expected to provide support for youth livestock programs in Lincoln Parish and perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other extension faculty at the parish, regional, and state levels. As an extension employee. the agent must be willing to continue professional development.
Qualification Requirements: A baccalaureate degree (Master's degree is preferred) in horticulture, agronomy, plant sciences, environmental sciences, or closely related areas is required. Experience in the field of horticulture is preferred. Must have an undergraduate degree with an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 GPA (GPA requirements based on a 4.0-point system) and a 3.0 GPA for any graduate work attempted. Candidate must be an effective communicator, utilize mass media in outreach programs and possess the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups. Candidate must be proficient in planning and executing educational programs in row-crop production and should have practical knowledge of production practices.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications 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: A personal automobile and appropriate insurance coverage is required (travel allowance provided). Satisfactory completion of two specific graduate level extension courses (6 credit hours) is generally required in the first two years of employment. Additionally, a faculty member who does not have a related master's degree must complete an additional 9 hours of related graduate level coursework in order to be promoted to associate agent and such promotion must occur in the first seven years of employment. An exception is that additional agent experience may be substituted for nine hours of coursework. but not for the two required courses.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2024. or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU 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. Ronald E. Strahan
Northwest Regional Director
262 Research Station Road
Bossier. LA 71112
Email: rstrahan@agcener.lsu.edu
Telephone: 318-741-7430
Web site: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
