Search for University Jobs in Agriculture

• 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