Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

PURPOSE:

Support the mission of Lincoln University's Cooperative Extension and the Innovative Small Farms Program (ISFOP). Develop and strengthen relationships with small farmers and growers in various assigned counties located in different regions of the State of Missouri. Provide guidance, advocacy and education to farmers, growers and rancher's while developing relationships with members of the communities served. Refer clients to Lincoln University State Specialists, as needed. ISFOP serves five regions of the State, and the Extension Agent's range is determined by program needs and the home residence and networking base of the qualified candidate.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Routinely recruit small farmers and growers to be clients in the ISFOP program (25 clients is goal).
• Conduct farm visits, consult with farmers/growers, and provide research-based education/training.
• Develop county-wide network of collaborators who can assist in efforts to make small farmers more successful.
• Organize and coordinate regional training programs, small conferences, meetings, workshops, and events.
• Coordinate trainings and in-person farm visits on behalf of Lincoln University's State Extension Specialists.
• Communicate with small farmers and collaborators to promote Lincoln University's Extension programs.
• Submit monthly reports summarizing all LU Extension activities.
• Organize and facilitate occasional workshops/trainings focused on different agricultural topics.
• Respond to ISFOP Director's request for information and assistance.
• Operate different university equipment, including the occasional hauling of a trailer for university events.
• Help promote USDA programs and assist small farmers to access grant opportunities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

1. Experience working with diverse audiences.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Ability to collaborate with key stakeholders in the community and around the State.
4. Willingness to attend in-service education, training, conferences and professional development.
5. Ability to keep farmers informed of the latest innovations in agriculture and identify grant opportunities.
6. Direct experience growing food and/or caring for farm animals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of 1-2 years of farming experience that includes growing fruits, vegetables, small ruminants, poultry, etc. Successful candidates must reside in one of the counties associated with the regional job posting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Desired: Experience working with other small farmers, community gardens, farmer's markets and collaborators like USDA county offices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This role will involve moving in and about numerous farm locations with frequent obstacles encountered.
• Light sedentary office work.
• Prolonged periods of standing and working outside in sun and heat.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the
changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility

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