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Assistant/Associate Extension Agent (Coastal Environment & Fisheries)Work Location: The primary area served by this position is Cameron and Calcasieu parishes. This region supports a large commercial and recreational fishing industry. The Assistant/Associate Extension Agent’s office domicile will be located at the Cameron Parish Extension Office in Grand Lake, Louisiana.
Position Description: This is a non-tenure track, agent level position (100% Extension) in the Marine Extension Project (MEP), a joint program of LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program. The Assistant/Associate Extension Agent position will have primary responsibility to plan, execute and evaluate a multidisciplinary educational program for residents, local officials, natural resource users and coastal marine-related businesses in the two-parish region. The primary focus will be on strategies for sustainable economic development and management of the region’s fisheries, wetlands, water, and other natural resources. Additionally, education programming focus will include community resilience related to climate change, sea level rise, wetland loss, and storm surge threats.
The educational program will be achieved using resources of the MEP network, collaborating with public and private sector leaders, resource management agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. Examples of partners, groups and organizations include but are not limited to: Parish governments, municipal planners and authorities, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service, and commercial and recreational fishing organizations. The Assistant/Associate Extension Agent will establish an advisory committee(s) that will help formulate and evaluate annual plans of work that aim to help residents and elected officials make more informed decisions regarding the future direction of their parishes, particularly those decisions that affect development in the unincorporated areas and smaller municipalities.
The needs of the Assistant/Associate Extension Agent’s clientele will be met using several methods, including but not limited to: personal contact, workshops and conferences, web-based content and communications, mass media communication, publications and fact sheets, public presentations, membership and local and regional advisory committees and task forces. Professional writing is an expected component of the incumbent’s annual duties. As an extension employee, the agent must be willing to continue professional development and remain current with agriculture and natural resources research and its application to programming. The incumbent is expected to be an effective team player, work cooperatively with other extension faculty at the parish, region and state levels and perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s). The agent will work under the administrative supervision and direction of the parish chair and regional director. This position requires some overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the clientele.
Qualification Requirements: A baccalaureate degree in a field related to natural resource management, fisheries, wildlife, or biology is required. Examples include natural resource management, marine science, biological science, or environmental science and related fields. Some experience in applied research, data collection, user group participation, and applied resource management is also desired. 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. A Master’s degree in a field listed above is desired. The applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. 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. The candidate must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. Experience in planning and executing educational programs and working cooperatively with individuals and groups is desired. 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 in order 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: August 18, 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, university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Questions about the online 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:
Kathryn Fontenot, Regional Director
Southwest Region Office
1373 Caffey Road
Rayne, LA 70578
Email: kkfontenot@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: 337-788-7547; Fax 337-788-7553
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, 103 J. Norman Efferson Hall, 110 LSU Union Square, 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
