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The Extension Associate will help farmers participating in the pea production enhancement project within the Mississippi Delta Region, specifically in the counties of Bolivar, Coahoma, Indianola, Leflore, Quitman, and Washington. The Associate will help identify crop production issues and assist with implementing science-based strategies to improve yield, soil health, and sustainability of pea crops. This role requires strong expertise in plant and soil science, practical experience in field diagnostics, and technical proficiency in managing agricultural field equipment.

 

• Familiarity with USDA practices, conservation methods, cover crop management, and integrated pest management.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data recording, reporting, and presentations.
• Ability to communicate complex agricultural concepts to diverse audiences, including farmers, technicians, and researchers.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the capacity to work independently or as part of a team.
• Physical ability to conduct outdoor field work, including lifting equipment, and enduring variable weather conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Provide one-on-one consultations and farm visits to assist with problem-solving and technical assistance.
• Conduct applied research and work with local stakeholders to address community-specific agricultural issues.
• Foster relationships with community members and agricultural stakeholders to identify educational needs and gaps in knowledge.
• Collaborate with other extension educators to enhance program offerings and share knowledge.

 

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct on-site visits to identify and assess problems in pea production, including issues related to soil health, plant stress, water management, and pest control.
• Assist farmers in developing and implementing best agricultural practices, including optimal planting techniques, nutrient management, and irrigation scheduling.
• Ensure proper utilization, upkeep, calibration, and troubleshooting of agricultural research equipment.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and training materials for local stakeholders, and maintain records of farmer consultations, field diagnostics, and intervention outcomes.
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date records for each participating farm and coordinate logistics and tracking for shared-use equipment.
• Work closely with the Alcorn Extension and contractor team to implement shared-use infrastructure, co-op agreements, and terms of use for equipment
• Identify barriers and provide feedback to the Associate Director for Extension Program
• Collect informal and formal feedback from farmers on program performance
• Other related duties, as assigned

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science or a related agricultural discipline.
• At least five years of experience in agricultural research, field trials, or farmer advisory roles, with specific experience in crop diagnostics field data collection.
• Demonstrated experience with USDA-ARS, NCRS, or related agricultural institutions.
• Demonstrated experience with the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of agricultural research and monitoring equipment
• Ability to sit at a work station for extended periods
• Occasional ability to lift, carry and put away items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Normal physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place on the job, taking distance and speed into account
• Normal physical agility, which includes ability to maneuver body while in place
• Normal physical strength to handle routine office materials and tools
• Normal dexterity of hands and fingers
• Normal coordination, including eye-hand, hand-foot
• Normal endurance

 

Licensing and Certifications

• Valid pesticide applicator certification (Class X preferred)
• Valid Driver’s License