ANR Extension Agent serving Jackson County - WVU Extension
Company: West Virginia University
Location: Cottageville
Posted on: June 1, 2025
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Job Description:
Description The WVU Extension Service is seeking a
self-motivated individual who will implement a comprehensive
Extension program in agriculture and natural resources (ANR) with a
focus on forage livestock systems, local foods and
agribusiness.
Major Responsibility of the County Extension Agent
Jackson County is in western West Virginia along the Ohio River.
The population is 27,791. This position will primarily work with
farmers and landowners to enhance their production and management
skills to improve the profitability and sustainability of their
farm businesses and local foods endeavors.
This twelve-month position carries the academic rank of Assistant
Professor or Visiting Instructor, depending on the candidate's
level of education. An Assistant Professor appointment with a
graduate-level degree will be a full-time, promotable, tenure-track
appointment. A Visiting Instructor appointment with an
undergraduate-level degree will be a full-time, non-tenure track
appointment.
The Agent is responsible to the ANR Program Director for all ANR
programmatic and administrative matters. In addition, the Agent
works cooperatively with the appropriate County Program Coordinator
(CPC) to integrate his/her program efforts into the total County
Extension program. The amount of time which an Agent spends in
specific program areas and/or in program components is determined
in concert with the Unit Director and other County Faculty.
Functions and Tasks of the Agent
Conducts educational programs in his/her designated program area to
help people more effectively interpret and use science-based
findings.
Assumes responsibility for developing and executing a Plan of Work.
The Plan of work will include a mix of ANR programming with a
focused on the agribusiness enhancement of food production systems
and profitability in the county and the Mid-Ohio Valley region.
Involves the Extension Service Committee and community
stakeholders, and appropriate program advisory committees to
analyze the county situation, identify priority problems and
develop and implement programs.
Uses the resources of the West Virginia University and the
community to effectively implement county programs.
Identifies, recruits, and develops volunteer leadership (i.e.,
master gardeners, 4-H volunteers) to assist with delivering the
program of work in the county.
Develops and uses appropriate systems for reporting program
accomplishments.
Functions always as a professional educator.
Actively participate with Extension work teams to help focus and
develop regional and statewide programs in designated program
areas.
Work in conjunction with 4-HYD Agent and county staff to support to
youth agriculture programming in the county.
Actively participate with Extension work teams to help focus and
develop regional and statewide programs in designated program
areas.
Teaching Follows a sound process in developing educational programs
in his/her designated area of responsibility. Extension faculty are
practitioners who develop educational programs to meet the needs of
non-credit learners. Program development is a process used to
assess needs, mobilize resources, and create and organize
educational initiatives to address the needs of citizens.
Develop, market, deliver, facilitate and evaluate non-credit
educational programming in response to locally identified priority
needs.
Establishes clear objectives and uses appropriate subject matter
content and learning experiences to reach these objectives.
Designs and implements a variety of program delivery methods to
reach target clientele.
Takes necessary action to ensure that enough groundwork is laid for
programs to succeed.
Evaluates results, measures impact, and accounts to appropriate
stakeholders for program accomplishments.
Uses the results of program evaluation to initiate changes in the
implementation of the program.
Service Develops an understanding of the county, the needs of its
citizens and Extension's role in meeting those needs.
Understands the county situation in terms of social and economic
factors.
Understands the role of County Extension Service in effecting
changes in the county situation.
Develops community partnerships to address county programming
needs.
Continuously examines his/her role as a change agent.
Assesses the degree to which programs meet the needs of clients,
induce positive change, improve performance, or measurably impact
priority problems.
Research Uses knowledge of agriculture to inform and guide teaching
and service and move the faculty and learner to decision making and
action.
Participates in professional development activities that increase
expertise in the discipline
Demonstrates the ability to apply current knowledge to address
specific priority problems
Assesses the degree to which new knowledge moves the faculty and
learner to decision making and action
Understands the philosophy of Extension and utilizes effective
methodology in program delivery and evaluation.
Understands and conveys the philosophy, objectives and policies of
WVU Extension Service.
Assists in determining and obtaining resources needed to implement
the Plan of Work.
Plans and provides the training needed to equip volunteer leaders
to carry out the program.
Develops and maintains two-way communications with volunteer
leaders.
Establishes and maintains rapport with personnel of the mass media
and arranges for appropriate releases in the program area.
Understands and implements the provisions of EEO and ADA.
Qualifications
For the assistant professor consideration, a completed master's
degree in an agricultural-related field of study is required.
Candidates with a master's degree in progress may be considered for
interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date.
For visiting instructor consideration, a completed bachelor's
degree in an agricultural-related field of study is required.
Candidates with a master's degree in progress may be considered for
interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date.
Training and experience in a forage livestock systems and/or local
food production field and/or agribusiness field of study is highly
preferred.
Training and experience in community development (such as
agribusiness, etc) is desired.
Demonstrated leadership and management skill through collaborations
and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
Extension or similar work experience is desirable.
Documented experience in volunteer management, supervision,
resource development, and team leadership is desirable.
Proficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use
of computer technology for educational programming and management
are required.
Experience working with advisory committees and/or focus
groups.
Experience working with the media and web-based information
delivery methods.
Education & Experience Preferred:
Successful experience in developing financial support for
educational programs including grant writing, fund raising,
contracting or cost recovery efforts.
Experience in promoting, marketing or creating public awareness of
program/services among key community decision-makers.
Special Requirements:
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Ability to meet travel demands of position (overnight stays), such
as 4-H youth agriculture events, conferences, professional
development sessions/trainings.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including some nights and
weekends.
Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and
perform duties of the position.
Must be able to pass the Children on Campus and Title IX required
trainings.
Must have a valid driver's license
Position Assignment:
This is a 12-month, full-time, Extension faculty position.
The successful candidate will be evaluated for providing a
significant contribution in teaching and service and will be
expected to undertake a continuing program of studies,
investigations, and/or scholarly works. Accomplishments will be
evaluated at least annually and will be judged in the context of
these roles.
The position will provide agriculture and natural resources,
community development programming in Jackson County. The agent will
also be a subject matter resource person for regional and statewide
programming as needed.
The position will provide community development programming as it
applies to the agribusiness and agritourism in Jackson County and
Mid Ohio Valley region.
Appointment is subject to the approval of the Jackson County
Extension Service Committee.
Position is expected to begin February 2024.
Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and
continue until the position is filled.
Application Process:
If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered
for the position, ALL of the following information must be
submitted using https://careers.wvu.edu:
A cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for
and outlining experience and qualifications.
Resume or curriculum vitae including date(s) of employment,
supervisor(s) names, and contact information.
A list of three references (including address, e-mail, and phone)
who can reflect on your professional strengths.
Transcripts conferring your degree(s) degree. Required degree must
be conferred by start of position.
Special Notice: Upon completion of the application, screening, and
interview process, a candidate will be presented to the Jackson
County Extension Service Committee for their consideration. Final
placement of the agent in the County is subject to the approval of
the Jackson County Extension Service Committee.
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We
take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and
are committed to the personal and professional growth of our
employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in
Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in
Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in
Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the
state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions
work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core
values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and
appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a
lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We
invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic
information, or Veteran status.
Keywords: West Virginia University, Huntington , ANR Extension Agent serving Jackson County - WVU Extension, Sales , Cottageville, West Virginia
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