Work Location: The position will support general horticultural needs of stakeholders in Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, and Vernon Parishes. Additionally, this position will help to support extension programs for select agronomic crops and Allen and Beauregard Parishes. The domicile office will be in the Beauregard Parish Extension Office in DeRidder, LA. Commercial horticultural crops produced in the region include various ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and pecans. Allen and Beauregard Parishes collectively plant approximately 1200 acres of corn, 20,000 acres of rice, and 5000 acres of soybean.
Position Description: This is a non-tenure track, agent level position ( I 00% Extension ANR). For Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, and Vernon Parishes, the agent will serve as a point of contact and provide educational programing primarily focused on selected horticultural Extension programs. For Allen and Beauregard, the agent will help support extension programs for select agronomic crops. In addition, the Agent will provide leadership for and work with producers, homeowners, commercial horticulturists, and other LSU AgCenter personnel to plan and organize a well-balanced Extension educational program for the assigned parishes and the Central Region. Some examples of the activities conducted include, but are not limited to, school/community gardens, demonstrations, workshops, Master Gardener programs, and educational meetings. The Agent will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations, contribute to the parish web pages and maintain current information for clientele. The 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 incumbent is expected to 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 in horticulture, agronomy, plant sciences, environmental sciences or closely related areas. Must have an undergraduate degree with an overall grade-point average of at least 2.5 (all GPA requirements based on a 4.0 system) and a 3.0 for graduate work attempted, if any, or master's degree with an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0 or a current grade-point average of at least 3.0 on at least 12 hours of graduate credit. A master's degree in a field listed above is desired. 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 horticulture production systems and should have practical knowledge of horticulture practices. Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change are highly desirable characteristics. The ability to work with and through others is essential as is the ability to function with minimum supervision.
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). Some work on evenings and weekends should be expected. A cell phone is required. Satisfactory completion of two specific graduate level extension courses (6 credit hours) 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 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: November 27, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Qualified candidates must apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita, a letter of application, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Questions about the on line application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324. (Paper, faxed, or emailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:
Dr. Daniel Stephenson
Central Region
8105 Tom Bowman Drive Alexandria, LA 71302
Email: dstephenson@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: 318-473-6520
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, I 03 J. Norman Efferson Hall, 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.
