County Agent III – Consumer Horticulture – Cooperative Extension Search

County Agent III – Consumer Horticulture (Assistant Professor equivalent)

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to provide statewide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in our Statewide Consumer Horticulture and Extension Master Gardener program areas. This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed on the George H. Cook Campus, third floor of Martin Hall, offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of consumer horticulture outreach and our statewide Master Gardener program.

Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan) and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) Diversity Plan https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/), which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide statewide leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists in support of consumer horticulture outreach, education, and engagement, including the Rutgers Master Gardener (RMG) program, specifically:

- Provide leadership for the statewide RMG program
- Provide leadership for curriculum development and official training manual for the RMG program
- Provide statewide support to and collaborate with all county RMG program coordinators to improve communication, collaboration, and diversity within the MG program
- Identify and expand consumer horticulture efforts to include new and emerging issues, such as soil health and climate resiliency
- As the statewide point of contact, provide support for all ANR and RCE in determining research and programmatic needs across the state and will communicate and interact with consumer horticulture groups to evaluate the needs of clientele
- Provide programmatic impact and annual reports through Better Impact, Qualtrics, and other research tools as requested
- Actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through outreach, engagement, and recruitment efforts both internally (colleagues and students) and externally (growers and stakeholders).

Posting Summary

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation. Ornamental horticulture represents a huge portion of the greater agricultural profile, with strong landscape, nursery, indoor plantscape, and garden center businesses. Associated with this is an ever-growing service industry. Rutgers partners with local governments, horticultural suppliers, and consumers to cultivate healthy, connected, and engaged communities. Through research and education, Rutgers helps diverse consumers make wise decisions about their gardens and landscapes. In this way, we effectively support human health, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Launched in NJ in 1984, the Rutgers Master Gardener (RMG) program is now active in 16 of the 21 counties in the state. RMG volunteers are important ambassadors for Rutgers, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and the counties where they are active. Thousands of volunteers have been trained since its inception, and tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service are realized annually. These trained volunteers expand the outreach mission of RCE and work to foster greater understanding and success with plants with all our diverse audiences.

Cooperative efforts with Extension Specialists, faculty colleagues, fellow ANR faculty and staff include:

Development of educational materials, training guides, evaluative tools, etc.
Completing virtual and in-person meetings, conducting demonstrations, and / or participating in ongoing field research
Encourage the adoption of new technologies and techniques in horticulture / RMG outreach
Collaborative efforts with other researchers at Rutgers and across the region in multidisciplinary projects designed to fill consumer/ RMG operational voids
In a team approach, strategize current programs, develop multidisciplinary program components, and explore current and future needs to develop new educational programs and outreach efforts
Seek out state, regional, and national opportunities to engage with multi-state research and Extension projects and actively participate in national opportunities such as the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH)

Minimum Education and Experience

Candidate must demonstrate excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. The candidate should have a deep understanding of consumer horticulture issues and MG program outreach, and be able to design, communicate, implement, and evaluate a program that responds to consumer and RMG program strengths, assets, and needs, the results of which would lead to a vibrant and robust program leading to national recognition. There is an expectation for outreach to a diverse population and an inclusive approach to engagement. Position requirements include:

A Master’s Degree is required from an accredited institution in horticulture or a closely related field
A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated ability and skill in understanding of Cooperative Extension and the land grant mission for outreach and engagement
Excellent organizational, negotiating, leadership and communication skills with a firm scientific command of horticultural knowledge
Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and expand a diverse statewide team while also working collaboratively with the horticulture industry and the public
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams of colleagues and volunteers, supervisory and managerial skills, and evidence of effective interpersonal communication skills
Experience in public speaking and written business-level communication
Initiative and creativity – ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed
Local, regional, and statewide travel is required; personal vehicle usage is expected

Certifications/Licenses

A valid New Jersey driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 9 months of hire, and the ability to successfully complete Rutgers Defensive Driving Courses, and other UHR training as required.
Preferred: Certificate in Volunteer Management

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extension Practice

- Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to meeting current and projected statewide needs
- Explore and implement programs that lead of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will improve the sustainability and climate resiliency of home landscapes
- Garner external funding to support and expand the consumer horticulture and MG program, leading to peer recognition

Extension Teaching

Develop and evaluate curriculum for effective consumer and RMG horticulture education and outreach, including a state-specific RMG manual, factsheets, social media, etc.
Create, deliver, and evaluate programs in consumer horticulture and RMG outreach, using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods
Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns. Responsibilities include engaging with Rutgers faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) to increase opportunities for on-farm research and experiential learning at our research farms. Includes recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for hands-on, real-world experience (field trips, lectures, etc.)

Service

Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned Extension office.
Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues
Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states.
Participate in appropriate ANR Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.
Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings.

Additionally

Ability to adapt as circumstances warranted.
Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.
Experience working with diverse audiences and communities
Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions
Demonstrated computer literacy – Microsoft Office and other Windows software, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Flexibility – the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing and management, and applied research

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources serves the residents of New Jersey through the development and dissemination of research-based information. Our goal is to teach people new skills and information so they can make better informed decisions and changes in themselves, their businesses, and personal lives. Our work with commercial clientele and governmental agencies is intended to improve public understanding of the relationship between agriculture and open space and the general economic and environmental vitality of the state. Our programs focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management (IPM), and other related subjects.

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