This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12521252 *Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms)*

*University of Illinois Extension*

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Extension Educator serves as a regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension Educators support one of the four core Extension program areas and within that program area may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives: Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives of Extension Educators will be consistent with national and statewide initiatives considered of significant importance to residents of the state of Illinois.

Extension Educators will be expected to deliver research-based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Educators, community professionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. The establishment of professional networks as well as the development of relationships with key stakeholder groups is vital to the success of Extension Educators. Extension Educators will be expected to deliver educational programs not only within their assigned multi-county unit, but as requested, to clientele within other units.

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms) is expected to concentrate programmatically in Local Food Systems within diverse production settings. Close collaboration with other Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators is required. The Extension Educator also will be expected to build networks among diverse groups within the Unit who have strong interests in the increased production and dissemination of local food products that can be used to improve the diets of underserved audiences. The Extension Educator is expected to provide research-based information and educational programs for growers, community members, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders and clientele involved in the production of local food. Development and delivery of high impact and relevant educational programs and resources in several of the following areas will be important: 1) production of fruits and vegetables, 2) marketing of food initiatives, 3) food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), 4) school and community gardens, 5) integrated pest management, and 6) building networks and increasing collaborations with agriculture stakeholders and clientele.

One full-time position is available.

Location: Unit 9 - Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties

(Position wi l be housed in Kankakee County - Bourbonnais, IL)

Additional positions may become available in other locations.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.

Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.

Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.

Deliver high impact programs to diverse audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions