Position Title: Assistant Extension Agent (Agriculture Production & Farm Management)
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (TPSS)
Location:   Moloka’i, Hawaii
Date Posted: October 7, 2024
Closing Date: November 3, 2024
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Conditions: To begin January 2025 or soon thereafter.
 
The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) is an indigenous-serving institution with a commitment to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of learning. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is classified as an “R1” institution; part of a 10-campus statewide system, and it is a uniquely structured Minority Serving Institute (MSI) and Land Grant University (LGU) within the US Western-Pacific region. University of Hawaii is one of a few MSI-LGUs offering Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters, and Ph.D. STEM degrees, as well as post-graduate certificates.
 
 
Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop an extension program to improve the economic viability of Maui County's diversified agriculture by supporting Moloka’i’s agricultural industry.
2. Develop and disseminate innovative and integrated programs to increase the economics, efficiency and productivity of the local farmers.
3. Develop and implement integrated and cost-effective approaches for the management of farm activities including management of weeds, invasive plants and animals, diseases and insect pests impacting crops, animals and forage.
4. Increase grower's involvement in resolving problems facing farm and industry (e.g. finance, marketing, processing, water, transportation, etc.).
5. Provide support, education and outreach to the small food animal (pigs, chickens, and goats) and all aspects of the FSMA Farm Food Safety regulations for producer implementation.
6. Increase efficiency in the delivery and dissemination of related research-based information to support local farmers and producers.
7. Identify issues and implement extension methods and techniques in collaboration and in partnership with private and public stakeholders to address the current and developing industry needs and disseminate information to the industry. The position may include some statewide responsibilities.  
8. Serve as liaison between farmers and producers, industry members, industry organizations, government agencies and private companies/individuals.
9. Disseminate information using various means including social media, distance teaching,  workshop and training development materials, presentations, exhibits, presentations, field days and publish scholarly information that address industry needs through appropriate media methods such as hard copy publications; web-based publications, social media and other communication and media alternatives.
10. Obtain local, regional, and national funding to establish a nationally recognized program.
11. Participate in County, Department, College, and University service and governance.
12. Work with stakeholders involves some meetings that occur after normal working hours and/or weekends at off-site locations.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major coursework in horticulture, soil science, agronomy, animal science, agribusiness or related field.
2. At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative extension work, Sea Grant extension or equivalent in closely related fields.
3. Ability to exercise independent judgement and to assume responsibility for developing an Extension program.
4. Ability to work harmoniously with other agents and specialists/faculty in an integrated Extension system, and with related agencies.
5. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner, and among the islands of Maui County, including Maui, Moloka‘i and L?na‘i; and within the State of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.  Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver’s License (class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.

 
Desirable Qualifications

1. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels, using technology and traditional educational tools. 
2. Demonstrated ability to write grants, obtain external funding and other in-kind program resources.
3. Experience with developing education materials for websites and using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for educational purposes.
4. Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and effectively with private organizations and government agencies.
5. Record of publishing peer reviewed articles, handbooks or extension bulletins.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

1. A cover letter emphasizing your qualifications for all the indicated responsibilities of the position,
2. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, the classroom, and/or cooperative extension;
4. Academic transcripts (copies accepted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire); and
5. Contact information for at least three professional references who may provide letters of recommendation.

Inquiries: Cynthia Reeves, reevesc@hawaii.edu