Description
University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track
position at the Agent or Senior Agent level to conduct applied research, provide educational
programming, and offer home and community food production and integrated pest management
(IPM) expertise throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide
leadership in delivering educational programming to UME field faculty, Master Gardeners,
community and school gardens, public agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. The Extension
Specialist will be expected to respond to a broad set of needs and issues, such as soil health and
fertility, plant and pest diagnostics and organic pest management, water quality and
conservation, intensive production techniques, climate resilient crops and practices, and
increasing food gardening access and production. The incumbent will also serve as Director of
the Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC), a statewide unit that delivers digital
horticulture and IPM resources and services. The HGIC Director role will involve approximately
25% of the Specialist’s time commitment and oversee the support staff of the Center.
The Extension Specialist will facilitate partnerships with campus and field faculty, local and state
agencies, non-profits, elected officials, communities, and residents to implement best practices
related to home and community food production and IPM. The incumbent will serve as the UME
leader for home and community food gardening programming and training efforts, leader of
HGIC program, and will be involved in planning and conducting educational events for the
public, UME faculty, Master Gardeners, and partners. The position will be based at the Central
Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville, MD, and the applicant will have access
to the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station's research and education facilities throughout
the state.
The Extension Specialist will provide leadership for relevant horticulture and IPM programming
within the Environment & Natural Resources Program (ENR), one of four UME programs. In carrying out their duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director and Program Leader,
Environment & Natural Resources Program.
The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working collaboratively to increase the
visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the
needs of diverse audiences. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and research methods
will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust Extension education
program that engages participants in a collaborative learning environment and encourages
adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
The Extension Specialist represents UME and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD).
The position ensures that educational programming aligns with UME’s current strategic plan and
plan of work, particularly as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. The
faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with
UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in plant sciences, crop sciences, horticulture, environmental sciences, or related field of study
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member
- Demonstrated experience conducting surveys and outreach education.
- Experience managing programs and projects
- Experience setting up and conducting applied research projects.
- Knowledge and use of computers and electronic technology for educational programming and project management.
- Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication and teaching skills.
