Extension Educator II Turf and Landscape

Title: Extension Educator II Turf and Landscape

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: UMass Extension

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension's Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.

Essential Functions

Collaborate with Extension, faculty, and other staff and clientele on educational programming in the areas of turf and landscape management. Support planning, creation, coordination, promotion, and delivery under deadlines for varied programs and projects including workshops and seminars, short courses, printed publications, web sites and other electronic communications, presentations, and demonstrations. Identify, implement, and support emerging educational delivery technologies.

Coordinate, write, review, edit, and update research-based technical content for educational resources in the areas of turf and landscape management, such as but not limited to articles, fact sheets, newsletters, management guides, web sites and social media.

Develop and provide timely and research-based guidance to professional stakeholders or the public in response to inquiries, or via lectures or educational presentations. May include email, web, phone, and in-person communication, and travel to field locations.

Provide general support for Commercial Horticulture group activities in collaboration with supervisor and other Extension staff and faculty, including development of program objectives, design of delivery methods, management of event logistics, development of evaluation procedures, and preparation of reports. Assist in training and supervising undergraduate employees. Collaborate in seeking external funding sources to support group activities. Support management of program infrastructure and equipment including vehicles, laboratory and greenhouse spaces, offices, and supplies.

Participate in planning and conducting applied research and/or scholarly and creative activity as appropriate, either at UMass facilities or external cooperator sites. Manage data collection, support data analysis, and prepare related reports, articles, and educational materials for Extension and scholarly publications.

Maintain and increase personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities, and continuing education. Prepare and implement a professional development plan.

Represent UMass Extension at the campus, regional or state level in routine matters of organization and procedure relating to the Commercial Horticulture group.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (preferably in horticultural, agricultural or biological science, or related discipline).

Two (2) years of relevant experience.

Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, statewide, and regional activities.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff, students and stakeholders.

Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced environment.

General proficiency using computers to perform work independently and collaboratively.

Ability to work in lab environments or outdoors in all types of weather and perform physical activities associated with turf and landscape management.

Preferred Qualifications

MS degree in a related discipline.

Established expertise in turf or general landscape management systems.

Familiarity with the horticulture industries in New England.

Extension experience, or experience with implementing adult education with diverse audiences.

Project management and/or event management experience.

Proficiency with computer software for word processing, and data management and analysis (e.g. Microsoft Office); online collaboration (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Google suite); CRM platforms (e.g. Salesforce, MailChimp); publication design and layout software (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Photoshop).

Experience and proficiency with web design and content management, and relevant software (e.g. Drupal).

Experience creating and implementing social media outreach or marketing programs.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, occasional nights and or weekends.

37.5 hours/week.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.