Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

Job TitleAssistant Professor and Extension Specialist Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Department Agricultural Economics Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeFaculty Job Description The Specialist will provide statewide leadership and coordination of Extension education programs enhancing business and community capacity. To be successful in this position, the Specialist will need to create research-based programs to support communities and other stakeholders in cultivating various community resources. The Specialist will provide subject matter expertise and educational program development for audiences such as businesses, current and future community leaders and planners, taxing authorities, entrepreneurs, regional and state leaders, health systems, state agencies, and clientele including trade associations, media, and government employees working with Texas communities and businesses. Primary extension programming and technical assistance may be related to community and economic development, strategic planning, business planning, disaster resilience, community food system economics, and/or related areas. Expected outreach includes Extension and peer reviewed publications, train the trainer for county educators, conference presentations, and electronic and mass media releases. Roles and responsibilities of Assistant Professors and Extension Specialists are typically as follows, but can vary depending on the department and expectations of the Associate Department Head, Department Head/Unit Leader and/or Agency leadership: Responsibilities: People Collect and synthesize information from county, regional, and statewide program development committees, clientele needs assessments, trend data, clientele organizations, and key industry leaders to guide the content, quality, and priority of programming Support agents with programming and content related to the subject matter expertise through program planning meetings, individual consultation, site visits with clientele, speaking at educational programs, and in other educational roles Coordinate with RPLs and appropriate agents programming efforts, result/demonstrations, and other activities when performed in counties Provide professional development opportunities and trainings and mentor and coach agents as requested by Regional Program Leaders (RPLs), District Extension Administrators (DEAs), and Associate Department Heads (ADHs) in subject matter, issues identification, and program planning areas Work with Agents and Agency leadership to develop and implement volunteer training activities. Programs Understands the type of programmatic approaches needed to meet the needs and capabilities of different audiences for effective program planning and implementation. Develop and participate in disciplinary and interdisciplinary programming efforts as appropriate to adequately address the priority issues facing our stakeholders Work to effectively coordinate and integrate programs and, as appropriate, contribute to an Extension Coordinated Program Area Develop and implement evaluation strategies to assess outcomes from Extension educational programs and demonstrate evidence of program impacts (i.e., knowledge gain, behavior change, adoption of new technologies and best practices, economic impact) as measured by well-designed program evaluations Participate in program planning at the multi-county or regional level and convey insights to their ADH or unit leader as appropriate Partnerships Provide timely and effective coordination, cooperation, and scheduling of activities with colleagues and personnel within Extension and across AgriLife, including but not limited to District Extension Administrators, Regional Program Leaders, Associate Department Heads/Program Leaders, other departmental or unit faculty/staff, County Extension Agents/staff, and AgriLife Research and College personnel. Engage with external groups including state and federal government agencies and stakeholder organizations and other entities to better understand issues and potential partner in addressing stakeholder needs. Seek grants, contacts, and other revenue sources to advance and sustain programmatic efforts in the subject area Member of professional organizations and societies Demonstrate collegiality by serving on departmental/unit, Extension and AgriLife committees, and demonstrating a track record of building effective working relationships across departments, agencies, and/or colleges Scholarly Efforts Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs resources and materials (e.g., fact sheets, instruction manuals, educational videos, online courses, computer software programs, apps, etc.) Conduct applied or translational research that is in line with the Extension programming effort Publish creative and scholarly work in refereed journals appropriate to the faculty member’s subject matter area, and present research findings at relevant industry meetings, professional meetings, or conferences Support academic pursuits in the subject matter area through activities such as guest lectures, undergraduate student mentorship, student club activities, student competitive team activities, graduate student mentorship, and serving on graduate student committees. Education and Experience: Preferred - A Ph.D. degree (either completed or all but dissertation) in agricultural economics, regional science, or a related field is required Preferred – published research results in refereed journals Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Experience in area of specialization, ability to write grant proposals to secure external funding; development and implementation of extension programming; evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journals; and participation in professional societies. Ability to communicate effectively in the English language. Competence in the use of personal computers; navigating communications, team collaboration, word processing and spreadsheet software; and using appropriate statistical-analysis software is required. For More Detailed Information: Review the most recent edition of the Professorial Career Ladder System for Extension Specialist Faculty for more detailed information. Reporting Line: Extension Specialists and Program Specialists, depending on their home unit, report to an Associate Department Head and respective Department Head or Unit Leader. As applicable Regional Program Leaders and Program Area Coordinators will provide input in the specialist’s annual review. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity. As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners. Prospective employee benefits Retirement programs Commitment to inclusive excellence Strategic plan