OEE invites applications and nominations for an Extension County Specialist, Horticulture, Weld. This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track Extension faculty position. Faculty rank is dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of extension faculty – educate, create, and connect. Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and education activities in OEE and CSU Extension.

This position will provide leadership and guidance in the development, delivery and evaluation of Extension horticulture programs including the Weld County Master Gardener Program. The person will have knowledge of horticulture principles, plant pathology and diagnostics, plants, trees, insects, and urban food systems. They will have a proven track record of working well with people and experience working in the field of laboratory diagnostics to address horticulture issues related to yards, gardens, and small farms. The individual will work well in a team environment using strong verbal and written communication skills to develop relationships with staff, customers, and partners, and to address common horticulture diagnostic issues. This individual works as a member of the local county Extension Team and as a local representative of Colorado State University. The agent works cooperatively with other Extension agents in their program area, and statewide with specialists and partners to develop and deliver quality programming; information; yard, garden and small farm outreach, and plant diagnostic services to the citizens of Colorado. This individual works under the guidance and supervision of the Extension Director of Weld County.

The primary office location for this position is in Greeley, Colorado. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, the individual in this position is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. The work schedule will vary, and occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel Required

Job Qualifications

Completed master’s degree. Conferred degree must be in horticulture, plant science, plant pathology, or a closely related field.
2+ years professional experience relevant to the Essential Job Duties (below) of this position.
Course work and/or professional experience must provide a broad and significant understanding of discipline area associated with position.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; Extension will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in areas including wildfire, forestry, native/sustainable landscapes, small acreage management, water/drought issues, invasive species (animal and plant) management, and with volunteers.
Ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational and outreach programs.
Evidence of ability to develop relationships with Extension colleagues, volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions, define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired outcomes.
Experience with identification and management of pests (insects, diseases, weeds, etc.), plant nutrient deficiencies, and abiotic stressors in a variety of settings.
Ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with diverse populations, including stakeholders from different socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge of the discipline area associated with position.
Bilingual (English-Spanish).

Special Instructions to Applicants For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Please submit the following to apply:

Resume
Cover letter
Special Required Documentation – Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable “Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet point separately.

All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process.

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at (970) 491-5836 or email oeo@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Hannah Swanbom at hswanbom@weld.gov.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

EEO Statement Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category Educate Duty/Responsibility Based on community needs, develop, deliver, evaluate, and report on research-based educational programming in horticultural crop production, turf management, integrated pest management, plant pathology and entomology for both consumer and green industry audiences using a variety of educational venues including but not limited to webinars, workshops, newsletters, blogs, website, new releases, radio programs, speakers’ bureau, and volunteers.

Provide educational information and teaching in plant diagnostics to by providing hands-on workshops throughout the growing season; providing opportunities to recognize and study real-time plant health issues, to better equip these volunteers to accurately and effectively diagnose plant problems that are submitted to CSU Extension offices; support plant diagnostic efforts in the county.
Develop and promote culturally appropriate programming that is inclusive of youth and adult audiences that are diverse and/or underserved.\
Participate in professional development activities as appropriate or as required by position.
As part of the Weld County Extension team, recruit, select, train, evaluate and recognize volunteers.
Respond to horticulture questions from volunteers and community members, conduct site visits and lawn checks.
With input and support from the Extension team, assist with updating and maintaining all website and social media platforms with relevant program related content and information.
Complete the CMG training required of volunteers in the first year of hire.
Practice cost recovery as appropriate. Identify and pursue appropriate resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, sponsorships etc.) to enhance the identified program work.
Participate in one or more Extension work teams, working within the programmatic group and serving as a regional resource in plant pathology and food systems for other agents, agencies, and community groups.
Assist with the management, training and evaluation of plant diagnostic clinic volunteers, support training and recognition of Colorado Master Gardener volunteers.
Cross-market CSU Extension at all educational programs and activities.
Manage the horticulture program budget.
Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies including reaching out to underserved and underrepresented audiences.
Percentage Of Time 40%

Job Duty Category Create Duty/Responsibility Foster and support strong relationships between the county, the university, and Extension by serving as a liaison to ensure county needs and interests are represented and university resources are engaged.

Communicate and coordinate resources, research, programming, and results with staff of Colorado State University and other agencies and institutions to enhance program development, delivery, and evaluation.
Assess program needs and identify community assets, outcomes, and strategies with advisory committees, green industry, and other partners. Evaluate and document expected results and impacts of educational programs; communicate these to stakeholders.
Maintain effective communication and develop strong partnerships with staff in adjacent counties providing support to the horticulture and natural resources programs, county staff, and Colorado State University specialists in horticulture, food systems, and related programs.
Percentage Of Time 30%

Job Duty Category Connect Duty/Responsibility In cooperation with horticulture team, work to implement, evaluate, and constantly improve local horticulture and food systems programming.

Support horticulture staff in program coordination and delivery of program specific, cross-program and multi-county work.
Supervision, Program Leadership, and Management of Weld County Master Gardener Program.

Percentage Of Time 30%

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Horticulture Specialist, Weld County