Animal Science and Forages Regional Extension Agent

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for a Regional Extension Agent ( REA) in the Northwest region of Alabama. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

This position is a 100% non-tenure track faculty Extension assignment covering multiple counties. The Agent will be housed in an office located in one of the counties in the region served.

Program Priority Area: Animal Science and Forages

Geographic Area: Northwest Alabama Region (Lauderdale, Limestone, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Winston, Lamar, Fayette and Walker Counties)

Responsibilities: The Regional Extension Agent ( REA) will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, commodity organizations, and other interested parties to determine program needs in the region. As a team member, the REA will partner with Animal Science and Forages ( ASF) team members and the region's County Extension Coordinator's (CEC's) to plan, implement, and evaluate animal science and forages programs conducted in the region. The Regional Extension Agent ( REA) will be responsible for implementing and sustaining educational programs for livestock, equine, and forage production with primary emphasis on cattle and forage production systems. Programming should focus on best management practices with positive environmental and animal well-being impacts.

REA is expected to be an integral part of the Animal Science and Forages team and assist in developing and implementing new programs as needed to meet producer needs and challenges. REA is also expected to participate in applied research projects to correspond with programming efforts. REA will join a highly motivated team of agents and specialists with several existing programs including, but not limited to Alabama Forage Focus, Beef and Pork Quality Assurance, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and Value-Added marketing programming. REA may also provide expertise to support 4-H livestock and equine programming.

The Regional Extension Agent ( REA) will utilize all available and emerging technologies in their educational efforts as well as more traditional methods such as newsletters, news articles, workshops/group meetings, demonstrations, and farm/home visits. The REA will participate in writing grants and participate in activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele. Participating in regional and state animal science and forage associations, and other stakeholder groups, is important for the REA to develop a reputation as an educational leader with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. REA will assist team leader and administrators in project outcome and impact evaluations.

Team Description: Regional Extension Agent's (REA's), Urban Regional Extension Agent's (UREA's), County Extension Coordinators (CEC's), and Specialists form the core of Extension teams. This REA will participate as a cohesive team member working with local clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, and other interested parties to determine regional needs for program outreach. As a team member, the REA will partner with other REA's and CEC's to provide educational leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting programs conducted in the region.

A Bachelor's degree in animal science, agronomy or related field is required. The successful incumbent will be required to obtain a master's degree within five years of successfully completing a probationary period.

The successful candidate must demonstrate capability in planning and executing educational programs in animal science and forages and should have practical knowledge of environmental best management practices related to livestock and forage production. Applicants must have a working knowledge in operating a personal computer and experience with software programs including Microsoft Word, Explorer, Excel, and Outlook. Candidate must demonstrate effective communication skills, possess the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups, and be willing to utilize various forms of outreach for program delivery.

This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

* A Master's degree in animal science, agronomy or related field is preferred.

* Knowledge of and experience with cattle and forage production systems in the Southeastern United States.

* Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.

* Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.

* Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.

* Successful experience teaching livestock and forage production in a formal and/or non-formal setting.

* Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e. publications, presentations, web, and/or social media).

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.