Description:
The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a full-time, eleven-month, non-tenure track position as Assistant Extension Specialist. The successful candidate is expected to establish an effective statewide extension program in viticulture. Review of applicants will begin after February 8, 2021 with a potential starting date in April 2021. For more information about our department, please visit: http://www.hortla.okstate.edu/
Responsibilities:
The incumbent will coordinate an annual Oklahoma Grape Management Extension Course including teaching classes, scheduling speakers, updating materials, and organizing field trips. The incumbent will create online grape management class, advanced training or wine making -focused courses. The incumbent will submit grant applications to assist with grape classes, research vineyard and viticulture projects.
The Incumbent will assist with Market Gardening School, Horticulture Industries Show and other grower groups. The Incumbent will update, revise or create extension fact sheets and revise extension educator handbook sections pertaining to grapes. The Incumbent will provide expertise to county extension educators and the public via phone calls, emails, letters, virtual sessions, and in-person, assist growers and winemakers with site visits as needed. The Incumbent will coordinate grape workshops and field days. The Incumbent will appear as a guest on the Oklahoma Gardening television show covering grape topics. The Incumbent will be responsible for content of Oklahoma Grape Management web page and Facebook page. The Incumbent will write information for Hort. Tips and In-service Horticulture training.
The incumbent will facilitate the use of fruit demonstration & research vineyards at Cimarron Valley Research station to support research, field days and classes and plan updates/improvements as needed. The Incumbent will work with Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) personnel as needed for spray and maintenance needs. The Incumbent will cooperate with Plant Pathologist and Entomologist on needed projects. The Incumbent will provide educational opportunities for winemaking and collaborate with wine lab in the Food and Agricultural Products Center (FAPC).
The Incumbent will help coordinate the Oklahoma State Grape and Wine Industry Conference. The Incumbent will interact with Oklahoma Grape Industries Council (OGIC) as appropriate. The Incumbent will participate in Forum of Oklahoma Wines. The Incumbent will submit articles to OGIC newsletter. The Incumbent will be responsible for certifying participation in the Oklahoma Vineyard Management Workbook assessment program.
Qualifications:
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Science or a closely related discipline. Five years experience to include Cooperative Extension experience, preferably in grape and wine extension programming; program management and/or leadership experience, formal or informal teaching experience, and experience working with other extension professionals, scientists, or industry partners. Extension Assistant Specialist hired with only a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to work toward completion of an approved master’s degree within 7 years.
Preferred: Master’s degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Science or a closely related discipline.
Application Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online at:
https://jobs.okstate.edu (search by keyword "req8780")
Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter, 2) detailed letter of interest and fit for the position, 3) curriculum vitae or resume, 4) contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin after February 8, 2021 with a potential starting date in April 2021. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
