Assistant/Associate Agent, Commercial Horticulture (Phoenix, AZ)

The purpose of the Commercial Horticulture Extension Assistant Associate Agent is to conduct applied research, deliver educational opportunities, and provide technical support to the consumer and commercial horticulture sectors as well as production assistance for urban landscape systems in Maricopa County. The agent collaborates with the commercial horticulture sector, like retail and wholesale nursery industry leaders, commercial fruit, vegetable, and flower producers, and commercial landscapes suppliers, to identify research and education needs to benefit the industry and promote environmentally responsible practices in the desert southwest.

Research and Extension program outcomes are presented at conferences and state, regional, and national meetings of professional organizations. The agent communicates with clientele and peers through a variety of means, including print publications, peer-reviewed journal articles, emails, and social media.

Educational opportunities are offered through formal and non-formal classes, clinics, and workshops in plant biology, pest management, soil science, water, and other relevant topics as needed for entities such as professional and urban horticulture and food producers. On-site support is provided through visits to identify problems and offer practical solutions. Oversight and guidance is provided to clientele across Maricopa County.

The agent works with diverse clientele, as well as other University of Arizona agents, specialists, researchers, programmatic staff, volunteers, and governmental agencies and non-governmental organization representatives.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

A. Program Development

1. Conducts a systematic analysis of national, Arizona, and county data, local resources, and historical information in order to identify community assets, program needs, outreach, and teaching opportunities.
2. Identifies resources, grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, etc., to enhance programs.
3. In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work.
4. Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

B. Program Implementation

1. Conducts creative programming and utilizes new technology that may include problem-solving research to address priority needs of the target audiences.
2. Participates in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
3. Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials, and publicity information in support of state, county, and community initiatives.
4. Functions as a resource for other agencies and organizations, promotes interaction and cooperation among various groups.
5. Disseminates educational materials through county-wide and multi-county events, workshops, websites, newsletters, and other mass media methods, using volunteers and other methods.
6. Promotes communication and teamwork with county and state Extension, other faculty, and professionals.
7. Promotes Cooperative Extension as the outreach arm of the state-land-grant university.

C. Program Results

1. Evaluates and documents results and impacts of educational programs.
2. Communicates program results to both professional peers and clientele through periodic reports, scholarly works, and various types of publications, e.g., bulletins, fact sheets, popular articles, state publications, scientific articles, social media, video, and computer programs.
3. Counsels with the County Extension Director to evaluate program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member.

D. Professionalism

1. Maintains professional competence through study, participation in professional activities, and the application of knowledge and skills on the job.
2. Maintains high ethical and professional standards and is loyal to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
3. Promotes public understanding and support for Extension and University programs.
4. Performs as a collegial member of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Skill in identifying and obtaining grants, contracts, and other financial resources to enhance programming.
• Knowledge of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programming.
• Knowledge in the subject matter of commercial horticulture and food production.
• Ability to work with community stakeholders and volunteers.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands

Employee is frequently required to safely lift, move, transport up to 50 pounds. Employee may have to perform work outdoors and may not be protected from weather conditions. Temperatures above 100 degrees for more than an hour. Employee may have to experience high levels of noise, vibration hazards, including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding, and high places, or exposure to chemicals in a work setting. There is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids. Employee may be exposed to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible schedule.