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Working Title20-24 Extension County Specialist, Horticulture and Agriculture Production, La Plata County

Position LocationDurango, CO

Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work

Posting Number202400077F

Proposed Annual Salary Range$55,400-$87,000 (commensurate on academic credentials and professional experience)

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Position TypeFaculty

Work Hours/Week40

Description of Work Unit

The Office of Engagement and Extension ( OEE ), in cooperation with the Colorado State University ( CSU ) colleges and other units, has general charge over the University’s educational programs and services across the areas of engaged scholarship, extension, and extended campuses, which complement and reinforce the research, teaching, and service missions of CSU . OEE is collaborative space for faculty, staff, and students pursuing and promoting community-based research, service-learning, industry partnerships, and other forms of the scholarship of engagement. In partnership with the CSU colleges and other divisions, OEE faculty and staff work throughout the state of Colorado to engage individuals and communities in the design, implementation, and application of scholarship and educational opportunities. The OEE Vice President is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE includes over 400 employees and operates with a total budget across the enterprises of approximately $85 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. CSU was established in 1870 and remains inspired by its land-grant heritage and world-class faculty, staff, and students. CSU enrolls approximately 33,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and is the largest employer in northern Colorado with more than 7,400 faculty and staff. Colorado State University is located 60 miles north of Denver in the beautiful city of Fort Collins.

CSU Extension, organized under OEE , is the academic unit designated to promote the land-grant mission of increasing access to education through the application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Colorado, across the United States, and around the world. In partnership with CSU’s colleges and external partners, CSU Extension amplifies the research, teaching, service, engagement, and extension missions of CSU . CSU Extension faculty aim to educate, create, and connect with learners through inclusive, transdisciplinary, and activated engaged scholarship, and innovative, accessible, and connected lifelong education. To learn more about CSU Extension, visitwww.extension.colostate.edu.

La Plata County is located in the southwest corner of Colorado. Durango, the county seat, has as estimated population (2022) of 19,531; total county estimated population (2022) is 56,607. Durango is the home to Fort Lewis College, a four-year liberal arts college. Major local employers include government, education, medical, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a sovereign neighbor with Tribal Headquarters located within the town of Ignacio.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to review Colorado State University’sPrinciples of Community (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/principles-of-community/) that guide our mission and vision of access, teaching, service, and engagement. Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/other-benefit-programs/academic-privileges/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.

Tenure/Tenure Track?No

% Research30%

% Teaching40%

% Service30%

% Administration0%

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on04/28/2024

Number of Vacancies1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date

Position Summary

OEE invites applications and nominations for an Extension County Specialist, Horticulture and Agriculture Production.This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track Extension faculty position.Faculty rank (https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/jobs/Faculty-Rank.pdf) is dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of extension faculty –educate, create, and connect (https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/jobs/Faculty_Educate-Create-Connect.pdf) . Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and education activities in OEE and CSU Extension.

This position will provide leadership and guidance in the development, delivery and evaluation of Extension horticulture, small-scale agriculture, and land stewardship programs including the La Plata County Master Gardener Program. The person will have knowledge of horticulture principles, plant pathology and diagnostics, plants, trees, insects, and urban food systems. They will have a proven track record of working well with people and experience working in the field of diagnostics to address horticulture issues related to yards, gardens, and small farms. The individual will work well in a team environment using strong verbal and written communication skills to develop relationships with staff, customers, and partners, and to address common horticulture diagnostic issues. This individual works as a member of the local county Extension Team and as a local representative of Colorado State University. The specialist works cooperatively with other Extension specialists in their program area, and statewide with CSU faculty and partners to develop and deliver quality programming; information; yard, garden and small farm outreach, and plant diagnostic services to the citizens of Colorado. This individual works under the guidance and supervision of the Extension Director of La Plata County.

The primary office location for this position is in Durango, Colorado. While this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, the individual in this position is expected to maintain a balance establishing a presence in the primary office, to effectively carry out the duties of the position. The work schedule will vary, and occasional nights and weekend work will be necessary.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel

Required Job Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree. Conferred degree must be in horticulture, plant sciences, agriculture or closely related field.

• 2+ years professional experience relevant to theEssential Job Duties(below) of this position.

• Course work and/or professional experience must provide a broad and significant understanding of discipline area associated with position.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in native/sustainable landscapes, agricultural and small acreage management, water/drought issues, invasive species (animal and plant) management, and with volunteers.

• Ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational and outreach programs.

• Evidence of ability to develop relationships with Extension colleagues, volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions, define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired outcomes.

• Experience with identification and management of pests (insects, diseases, weeds, etc.), plant nutrient deficiencies, and abiotic stressors in a variety of settings.

• Ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with diverse populations, including stakeholders from different socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge of the discipline area associated with position.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, allmaterials must be RECEIVED no laterthan 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Please submit the following to apply:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Special Required Documentation – Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable “Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet point separately.

All applicants will be contacted approximately 15 working days after the deadline regarding their status. Next steps and interview dates will be shared to those moving forward. Four professional references will be requested of applicants that advance in the interview process.

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at (970) 491-5836 or emailoeo@colostate.edu. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Darrin Parmenter atDarrin.Parmenter@colostate.edu.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .

Diversity Statement

Personal or professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes.

Search ContactDarrin Parmenter at Darrin.Parmenter@colostate.edu

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryEducate

Duty/Responsibility

• Based on community needs, develop, deliver, evaluate, and report on research-based educational programming in horticultural crop production, turf management, integrated pest management, plant pathology and entomology for both consumer and green industry audiences using a variety of educational venues including but not limited to webinars, workshops, newsletters, blogs, website, new releases, radio programs, speakers’ bureau, and volunteers.

• Work collaboratively with local government and organizational partners to develop, implement, evaluate and report impacts of non-credit educational programming for adult and youth audiences.

• Work with other Extension personnel in the San Juan Basin (Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan (New Mexico) counties) for regional workshops, symposiums, and other educational opportunities.

• Develop and promote culturally appropriate programming that is inclusive of youth and adult audiences that are diverse and/or under-served.

• Participate in professional development activities as appropriate or as required by position.

• As part of the La Plata County Extension team, recruit, select, train, evaluate and recognize volunteers.

• Respond to horticulture questions from volunteers and community members, conduct site visits and lawn checks.

• With input and support from the Extension team, assist with updating and maintaining all website and social media platforms with relevant program related content and information.

• Practice cost recovery as appropriate. Identify and pursue appropriate resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, sponsorships etc.) to enhance the identified program work.

• Participate in one or more Extension work teams, working within the programmatic group and serving as a regional resource in plant pathology and food systems for other agents, agencies, and community groups.

• Cross-market CSU Extension at all educational programs and activities.

• Manage the horticulture program budget.

• Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies including reaching out to under-served and underrepresented audiences.

Percentage Of Time40%

Job Duty CategoryCreate

Duty/Responsibility

• Develop and provide programming for diverse audiences and assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies, including reaching out to under-served and underrepresented audiences.

• Engage and collaborate with community-based organizations and diverse constituents (representative of the county’s racial, ethnic and gender demographics) to understand community needs and develop support for existing and new program efforts.

• Employ effective technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.

• Identify resources (grants, contracts, in-kind contributions, cost recovery fees, etc.) to enhance programs, support programming efforts and practice cost recovery.

• Manage program funds in compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and reporting requirements.

• Maintain effective communication and develop strong partnerships with staff in adjacent counties providing support to the horticulture and natural resources programs, county staff, and Colorado State University specialists in horticulture, food systems, and related programs.

Percentage Of Time30%

Job Duty CategoryConnect

Duty/Responsibility

• Communicate and coordinate resources, research, and programming with faculty/staff at CSU , county, and other organizations.

• Develop and support strong equitable working relationships with Extension staff, CSU faculty, local/county agencies, community leaders and private industry organizations to address priority needs.

• Develop relationships and work with advisory groups and local leaders; cooperate with Extension Specialists in other counties to assess informal education needs in the area, develop/revise plans of work, implement educational strategies, and measure and report programmatic impacts.

• Maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of County Commissioners, including responding to requests for consultation, research, and other assistance.

• Provide conflict resolution, mediation and/or facilitate public dialogues.

• Engage with public officials in policy decision influence.

• Travel to and participate in meetings, professional development, events and periodic activities requiring travel and/or overnight stays.

• Supervision, Program Leadership, and Management of La Plata County Master Gardener Program.

Percentage Of Time30%

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Special Required Documentation

Optional Documents