Home Horticulture & Commercial Horticulture Regional Extension Agent - Western Region

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for a Regional Extension Agent ( REA) to serve on the Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests & Commercial Horticulture Program Priority Teams. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

Reasons you'll love working as a Regional Extension Agent at ACES - Auburn:

This position is a 100% non-tenure track faculty Extension assignment serving Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Wilcox Counties. The Agent will be housed in one of the counties served.

Responsibilities: Programming from these two teams is diverse, covering agricultural production of commercial fruits, vegetables, turf/lawns, ornamental nursery crops, greenhouse crops, and advising management of these plants in residential landscapes and gardens. Both teams promote safe environments through best management practices and the appropriate use of pest management products. Producers need these management tools to support a business profit while consumers need them for their enjoyment of private property.

The REA will utilize all available/emerging technologies in their educational efforts as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters, news articles, workshops/group meetings, demonstrations and farm/home visits. The REA will participate in grant writing and the activities supporting applied research/demonstrations that benefit local clientele. REAs will assist team leaders in project outcome and impact evaluations as assigned. Participating in regional and state horticulture associations, and other groups representing horticulture, is important for all REAs. This develops their reputation as an educational leader with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

The Master Gardener volunteer program is a responsibility within the Home Grounds team. REA's coordinate volunteer training classes, and guide volunteer efforts in public outreach. Commercial Horticulture programs support the need for global food security and growing farm profits for both experienced and beginning farmers, along with educational support to the ornamental and landscape industry.

Team Descriptions: Regional Extension Agents (REAs), Urban Regional Extension Agents (UREAs), County Extension Coordinators (CECs), and Specialists form the core of the Commercial Horticulture and Home Grounds Extension teams. This REA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the REA will partner with other REA's and CEC's to provide educational leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the horticulture programs conducted in the region.

A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science or related field is required. At least two years of relevant work experience and/or a Master's degree is preferred.

The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in planning and delivering educational programs in commercial and/or home horticulture related to plant/pest management, and should have practical knowledge of horticultural and environmental best management practices in ornamental and fruit/vegetable crops. Candidates must demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, possess the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups, and be willing to utilize various forms of outreach for educational program delivery to a diverse clientele.A demonstrated ability to recruit, teach, and cooperate with volunteers, such as Master Gardeners, in the delivery of horticulture related programs is highly valued. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation. Successful applicants must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to respectfully self-motivate their daily priorities.

A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field with at least two years of relevant work experience OR a Master's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field.

Experience recruiting, teaching, and leading volunteers to deliver horticulture related programs is highly valued.

****Minimum Starting Salary****
$43,860 for a Bachelor's Degree
$47,860 for a Master's Degree
Salary will be commensurate with relevant, professional work experience.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.