Extension Program Specialist I

Job Title

Extension Program Specialist I

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Horticultural Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Lubbock, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Extension Program Specialist I for the High Plains and West Texas grape growing regions (Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association Regions 1 & 4) will develop and implement Extension educational programming with a supporting applied research component designed to resolve problems of importance to wine grapes (viticulture). Over 64% of the total vineyard acreage within the state of Texas is located within the High Plains and West Texas growing regions. The economic and environmental sustainability of vineyards within the area depends on good networking and the establishment of common goals. Grapes continue to be an attractive alternative crop in this area.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and effectively deliver educational programs such as workshops, field days, and county agent trainings.
• Use traditional and innovative Extension outreach techniques to educate producers, agricultural consultants, and agri-industry personnel.
• Provide support and training for Extension County Programs and County Agents in Extension Districts 1, 2 and 3 as well as other areas within the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association Regions 1 and 4.
• Work to effectively coordinate and integrate programs relevant to subject matter expertise.
• Work closely Regional Program Leaders and other with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel at the Lubbock Center and in the departments of Horticultural Sciences, Soil and Crop Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology and Microbiology and Ag Economics to develop cross-disciplinary programs and address County Extension Agent needs.
• Collaborate with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel at other AgriLife Centers and on campus on projects related to viticulture.
• Secure funding from appropriate sources and publish relevant newsletters and other Extension outreach materials.
• Develop statewide collaborations with the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, Viticulture & Enology Symposium, Spirited Learning and other viticulture groups.
• Evaluate the impact of Extension programs (including an annual in-depth outcome report of a signature program).
• Attend and participate in activities for professional improvement and participate and present information at professional meetings.
• Provide service to the Department of Horticultural Sciences, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. 
• Provide expertise for disciplinary, multi-disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary programming and projects of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agency.
• Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's (B.S. or B.A.) degree in a related agricultural field to horticulture (or other closely related fields including soil and crops, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, ag economics) and two (2) years of related experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s (M.S. or M.Ag) and two (2) years of related experience in horticulture.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Good computer skills

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to work well in a team setting

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.