Horticulture Extension Manager - Navajo Technical University

JOB PURPOSE:

Employee in this twelve-month (12-month) position will work toward the overall goals of supporting and growing community interest and knowledge in horticulture, improving diet and nutrition of socioeconomically challenged families, and engaging students in hands-on education in the fields of horticulture and agriculture by overseeing and executing multiple projects. Employee is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating horticulture/agriculture related programs while promoting institutional land grant capacity. Employee will obtain external funding to help support and expand programming efforts. This 12-month, exempt, grant-funded position is subject to the availability of funding.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops new funding or grant streams of revenue, which include, but is not limited to the following functions:
  • Conducts the full range of activities required to prepare, submit and manage grant proposals to funding sources
  • Researches and reviews U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal, state, tribal and local program grant announcements for funding including horticulture outreach projects, education projects, research projects, and for funding this position and other assistant and student positions within the NTU Land Grant Department
  • Develops concepts and writes grant proposals for possible funding under identified grant opportunities
• Performs program planning, surveys and analyses, implementation, delivery, and evaluation to meet university, stakeholder, and community needs. Performs regular needs assessment of horticulture and agriculture programs based on input from stakeholders, Advisory Council, land grant, community organizations, tribal and other governmental officials, and other university departments.
• Directs reservation-wide community outreach and education programs in horticulture and agriculture in partnership with the land grant university community and appropriate community partners.
• Identifies, analyzes, and assesses community needs and burgeoning issues related to the health and well-being of Native Americans; selects priority areas for programming.
• Develops research projects as necessary to improve program and make advancements. Seeks and submits grant proposals and budgets for funding for research projects which includes student worker hourly wages, travel to training and conferences, collaboration with schools, higher education institutions, non-profits, etc. Manages grant awards, submits reports, and works with the business office in submission of financial reports.
• Manages a propagation greenhouse: train student workers on greenhouse practices, facilitate plant sales, purchase supplies, and other duties needed to operate greenhouse.
• Runs a garden mentorship and training program: works with 5-8 local families per year to install backyard gardens, install irrigation, and execute a six-week training. Coach families through their first and second years of gardening including providing advice, diagnoses, and additional support when necessary.
• Teaches workshops on gardening and related topics to the public: organizes, advertises, evaluates, and conducts workshops for the public on topics such as water harvesting, tree care, container gardening, box gardening, greenhouse planting, hoop house planting, composting, irrigation systems, seed saving,
• Assists in designing, teaching, assessing undergraduate Agribusiness and Soil Health courses: teaches up to 3-6 credit hours of undergraduate courses per semester. Develops syllabi, course outlines, lesson plans, lecture and lab material, course and program assessment, advises students, etc.
• Implements Ag in the classroom: works with local principals, teachers, and extension personnel to implement Ag in the classroom curricula for local public and charter schools. Assists teachers and principals in installing garden space on school grounds. Provides support and expertise for afterschool garden programs.
• Oversees a team of student workers to maintain greenhouse propagation and demonstration garden: provides requisite training and guidance to student workers to maintain greenhouse propagation and to sustain and improve the demonstration garden used in workshops and the mentorship/training program.
• Travels to communities across the reservation to provide professional development, training and outreach to support and enhance the work of area land grant and extension staff and community partners on relevant issues.
• Prepares program material, evaluation instruments, teaching material and marketing information in support of horticulture and agriculture program initiatives. Disseminates educational and program materials through area-wide events, workshops, field days, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods.
• Provides guidance and direction for staff, student workers, volunteers, and community members in all projects and activities.
• Works with NTU Land Grant team to create cross-discipline projects.
• Maintains inventory of greenhouse including equipment and supplies, and orders additional material as needed.
• Recruits students for Agribusiness and Soil Health programs by discussing programs, providing program material, engaging youth in Ag-related activities, during travel and/or setting up at schools and events.
• Supervises others during hoop house and green house set-up.
• Supervises appropriate staff and student workers.
• Understands and follows the Employee Handbook in fulfilling professional responsibilities. Maintains high ethical standards and professional knowledge and skills in program development, grant-writing, community education/ outreach/ research. Maintains confidentiality pertaining to the department, clients, and students.
• Overnight and weekend travel will be required.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Master of Science degree in Horticulture, Botany, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant and Environmental Science, International Agricultural Development, Agriculture Extension Education, Plant Pathology, Sustainable Plant Systems, Crop Science, Range Science, Landscape Architecture or a closely related field of study is required.
• A minimum of three years of satisfactory, progressive work experience in horticulture, agronomy, and/or soil/crop/plant/environmental/range science.
• A minimum of three years of research experience in soil/crop/plant/environmental/range science, agronomy, horticulture, or directly-related field.
• Successful grant writing, grant management, and reporting experience is required.
• Evidence of working with culturally and socially diverse populations.
• Experience in use of computers, audiovisual technology, and other current materials and methods appropriate in the delivery of presentations, instruction, discussions, surveys, problem-solving, etc.
• High degree of fluency in the speaking, writing, and reading of the English language.
• Valid and clean state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass a background check, with no prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Botany, Agronomy, or Soil, Plant, Crop, Environmental or Range Science, Agriculture Education, or closely related field.
• Three years of satisfactory college or university teaching experience in Horticulture, Botany, Agronomy, or Soil, Plant, Crop, Environmental or Range Science or a closely related field.
• Additional experience in research related to horticulture, agronomy, botany, or soil, crop, plant, environmental, or range science, or closely related field.
• Documented participation in ongoing professional development activities, and/or publication or formal review of professional literature.
• Active membership in a horticulture or plant science-related professional organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements including FERPA, etc.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate community needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a capacity and willingness to engage diverse populations.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
• Flexibility in exercising both leadership and team membership roles.
• Experience or training in applied research and problem solving.
• Organizing and coordinating skills as related to program planning as well as event scheduling and planning. Familiarity with basic office equipment including computer, copier/fax machine, calculator, etc.
• Proficiency in basic office software including Microsoft Office Suite. Well versed in Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Continual learner and willingness to redirect efforts as needed.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Be an optimist with a "can do" orientation, not afraid of challenges and has ability to work with uncertainty and change.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch.
• Must be able and be willing to work long hours (in excess of 8 hours per day), evenings, and weekends when required.
• Required to climb or balance.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal or corrected auditory and visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed indoors in an office setting and outdoor environment. Approximate split of 60% in office and 40% outdoors depending on the needs of the program and season.
• Exposure to dust, chemicals, temperature variances, and equipment with moving parts.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be willing to work long hours (in excess of 8 hours per day) including evenings and weekends when required such as planting, gardening, travel, training, other activities, etc.
• Must be able to balance multiple projects and demands.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Short periods of stress are common.