Extension Professional III (Extended Temporary)

The purpose of the Associate in Extension, Plant Pathology position is to develop and deliver plant disease assessment, diagnosis and management information, structured programs, and technical support to the commercial horticulture sector, as well as urban agriculture and food systems in Yuma County, Arizona. They will assess and diagnose plant diseases (identification of biotic and abiotic diseases) affecting desert southwest commercial horticulture (primarily vegetable horticulture), urban agriculture, and food systems, and then provides management strategies based on informed research or an evidence-based approach to address the identified needs. They will interact extensively with stakeholders and conduct applied research as a foundation for a strong research-based educational program. They will also collaborate with peers and colleagues to develop and deliver educational programming in Yuma County. The Associate in Extension will offer educational opportunities through formal and non-formal classes, clinics, workshops in plant pathology, and other relevant topics as needed, to producers of horticultural and agricultural crops, professional green industry personnel, urban food producers, Master Gardener volunteers and state and federal agencies. They will provide technical support through site visits to identify problems and offer practical, science-based solutions. It is the responsibility of the Associate in Extension to identify and obtain external funding to support both applied research and programmatic needs. In addition, they are expected to present science-based information at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of local and regional plant disease incidence, including current and historical information to identify disease assessment, diagnosis and management program needs.
• Identifies financial resources through potential gifts, grants, and contracts to support both the research and programmatic needs.
• In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

Program Implementation

• Implement programs that will include plant disease assessment, diagnosis and management and an applied research effort to address problem-based issues pertaining to identified clientele needs.
• Develop educational materials for clientele distribution to include peer reviewed articles, fact sheets, bulletins, social media networks, etc.
• Participate and collaborate with peers and statewide working groups to discuss and develop identified needs.
• Disseminate disease assessments, diagnoses and management practices in oral and written form and as education materials to clientele county-wide and/or statewide.
• Conduct workshops and develop media communications to reach clientele.

Program Results

• Evaluate results and impacts of delivered programs.
• Publish and communicate program results through all previously described media.

Professionalism

• Maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional meetings and applied knowledge to programmatic duties and responsibilities.
• Maintain high ethical and professional standards with commitment to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
• Promote Cooperative Extension to enhance public understanding of the organization's mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Desire and capability of working with diverse stakeholders and volunteers, self-confidence and self-efficacy, good time management, good judgment and sensitivity while working with peers and community members alike.
• Familiarity with job-related subject matter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to travel as appropriate to meet stakeholder needs.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• The person must have the ability to obtain an Arizona driver's license, provide their own transportation, be able to travel statewide using all modes of transportation and have the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.