Refer a Friend or Colleague

• 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