Title: Faculty Specialist
Functional Title: Faculty Specialist, Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
Position Number: 128799
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Continuing Contract
Unit: AGNR-UME-Agriculture and Food Systems Program
University Authorized FTE: 1.0
Home Office Location: Position can be located at College Park, LESREC in Salisbury, CMREC-Upper
Marlboro, or WMREC in Keedysville.
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the
world.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month professional-track Science and Training Specialist for the Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) in the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program. The ANMP Science and Training Specialist has statewide responsibilities for developing and conducting training programs for farmers, private sector nutrient management plan writers, ANMP nutrient management advisors, and others. The ANMP Science and Training Specialist develops and trains farmers and nutrient management advisors to develop nutrient management plans that balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay and enabling producers to comply with the State of Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.
Responsibilities:
• Keep up to date with latest related research through scientific literature and attendance at regional and national conferences.
• Develop Extension guidance documents on agricultural nutrient management topics.
• Lead development and instruction of in-person workshops:
o Farmer Training and Certification,
o How to Write a Nutrient Management Plan,
o Fundamentals of Nutrient Management (UMD sections), and
o Practical Experiences of Nutrient Management.
• Assist farmers and private nutrient management consultants with development of their nutrient management plans remotely and through in-person update sessions.
• Train new ANMP nutrient management advisors, mentor them to reach a proficiency in nutrient management plan writing, and provide professional development training on nutrient management topics.
• Learn to use and teach the nutrient management software.
• Professional development to improve pedagogy.
• Serve on and work collaboratively with UME teams to identify and develop statewide priorities and signature programs for nutrient management.
• Serve on program, department, college, and university committees and boards as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, or closely related field.
• Work experience in agriculture, nutrient management, or closely related area.
• Working knowledge of agriculture and farming issues.
• Demonstrated teaching abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency in the use of computer technology for educational programming and information management (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, GIS, Google Workspace).
• Flexible working hours required; must be available for occasional evening and weekend programs.
• A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile for travel.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred
• Master’s Degree in agronomy, crop science or soil science or closely related field
• Experience in agricultural planning.
• Certification and experience as a Maryland nutrient management consultant.
• Experience with distance education technology (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and pedagogy.
Additional Certifications:
• Within one year of employment achieve certification through the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a Nutrient Management Consultant; maintain this certification.
• If offered employment, individual will be required before beginning job assignment to obtain (and satisfactorily pass) a background check by the State of Maryland and the FBI.
Physical Demands of the Position: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching and event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and teardown of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year, especially during the time field research, demonstrations, and meetings are conducted as well as annual county fair. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications:UMCP internal candidates must apply at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/113134. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: For best consideration, apply by September 25, 2023 or until an acceptable candidate isidentified.
.png)
