Work Location: The areas to be served are DeSoto and Bossier Parishes. The domicile location is DeSoto Parish in Grand Cane, LA.
Position Description: The Assistant/Associate Extension Area Nutrition Agent will work under the supervision and direction of the Parish Chair, Regional Director, FCS regional coordinator, and FCS state office staff. This nutrition agent will be part of the statewide, community focused, Flavors of Health nutrition program, and will use evidence-based practices, to communicate information, enhance skills, guide, and motivate Louisiana’s individuals and families to make healthier food and fitness choices. The agent will provide nutrition education programming for FOH program clientele in DeSoto and Bossier parishes (80%). The agent will also provide SNAP-Ed programming in Bossier parish (20%).
The agent will develop and maintain a work plan based on current Flavors of Health nutrition program agent expectations. This will include recruitment for and implementation of core program curricula; preparation of nutrition education materials/communications/activities that target local needs or requests; facilitation of a community advisory committee to provide programmatic direction and strengthen local programming efforts; collaboration with a variety of community agencies and organizations. The agent will also use mass media and social media to convey science-based food/nutrition information. The agent will organize a coalition group consisting of community members, stakeholders and partners to determine and implement policy, system and environmental changes recognized and prioritized by community members. This position will require periodic overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends as needed to reach clientele. Computer literacy and the ability to use mobile devices such as iPads as teaching tools is required.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Maintain professionalism and uphold a positive reputation as a key community member and faculty member of the LSU AgCenter
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Organize an advisory committee in both assigned parishes, involving community leaders, stakeholders, and volunteers to provide programmatic direction for nutrition programs
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Conduct educational workshops, demonstrations, and other teaching activities for parish residents of all ages, with a focus on nutrition and health
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Complete an annual plan of work with teaching objectives
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Complete and submit detailed reporting in a timely manner, following all state and/or local reporting deadlines
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Evaluate impact of programs, create reports, and communicate program outcomes
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Recruit and train volunteers to assist with educational programs
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Coordinate and collaborate with other LSU AgCenter and SU AgCenter personnel (parish, region, and state) as well as local stakeholders for programming efforts and Healthy Communities work
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Continue professional improvement to maintain professional competence as an AgCenter employee
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Any other tasks as assigned by supervisor(s)
Qualification Requirements: A baccalaureate degree in community nutrition, human foods and nutrition, family and consumer sciences, education, dietetics or closely related field from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree in nutrition or a health-related field is preferred. 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. The applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Experience in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers and experience in teaching and applying principles of leadership development to both adults and youth is also desired. Knowledge of public relations, flexibility, and the ability to cope with change are highly desirable characteristics. Ability to work with others is essential, as is the ability to function with minimum supervision. The successful candidate will exemplify a positive attitude and a passion to improve the lives of others.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is 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: A personal automobile, appropriate insurance coverage, and a cellular phone is required. A travel allowance is provided. Satisfactory completion of two specific graduate level extension courses is generally required within the first two years of employment. Additionally, the agent must complete a minimum of 15 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.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023 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 and resume, official university transcripts, a statement describing how diversity would figure into your teaching, research, or extension activities, and two letters of recommendation (paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching letters of reference, they may be sent directly to the address below. For more information contact:
Dr. Ron Strahan
Northwest Region Director
LSU AgCenter
262 Research Station Drive
Bossier City, LA 71112
Phone: 318-741-7430; Fax: (318) 741-7433
Email: rstrahan@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: 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, LSUAgCenter, 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/Affirmative Action Employer.
