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Job Opening: Master Gardener Coordinator – Tolland County

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Master Gardener logoThe UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Tolland County Program Coordinator. This is a 16-hour-per-week position and is a temporary, six-month appointment. Renewal is optional pending coordinator review and availability of program funding.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to providing leadership for the base county Master Gardener program. The successful candidate will coordinate the development, staffing, and recognition of program mentors, volunteers, and interns; coordinate and assist with the annual classroom portion of the program; work with UConn Extension center/county-based faculty and staff, as well as university-based faculty and staff as needed. Will also work with allied community groups and Extension partners such as the CT Master Gardener Association and Extension Councils; train and supervise interns in the Extension center when classroom teaching is completed; arrange and conduct Advanced Master Gardener classes each year; create, develop and coordinate outreach programs and projects in the county. They will prepare annual reports on program activities, impacts, incomes, and outcomes (number of clientele contacts); and communicate effectively with the state coordinator, other county coordinators, center coordinators, and support staff.

Preference will be given to candidates who are Certified Master Gardeners, or with a degree in horticulture, botany, biology, or equivalent experience. Interested applicants should possess strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and be able to show initiative. They should be able to demonstrate experience in working collaboratively as well as independently and be willing to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends. Must be familiar with Microsoft Office and familiar with the online class experience. Volunteer experience is desired. Monthly reports shall be communicated to the state coordinator and topical information may be shared with others as requested.

Submit a letter of application, resume, and names of three references to:

Sarah Bailey, State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator at sarah.bailey@uconn.edu Please put the Master Gardener Coordinator Position in the subject line.

The screening will begin immediately.

Part-Time Positions on Biotechnology Grant Project

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youth with DNA strand

UConn Extension has two part-time positions open on a biotechnology grant project. These positions are both four-year appointments through the grant period.

The grant will create 4-H clubs focused on teaching teen members about biotechnology and encouraging them to pursue it as a career. Cohorts of 4-H youth will work with the UConn and NMSU teams to learn about biotechnology and create games about biotechnology careers.

The outreach effort will target high school-aged youth already in 4-H youth development programs in Connecticut and the surrounding area. The researchers will prioritize working with communities currently underrepresented in STEM fields.

The project will provide participants and their families with informal education in food and agricultural sciences, teaching them about potential careers in biotechnology, including gene editing.

Using a game-based learning approach, participants will learn about the safe use of biotechnology for agriculture and career opportunities in this field. The UConn team is partnering with the New Mexico State University Learning Games Lab to develop these educational games, and the youth will be involved throughout the process.

Participants will develop outreach materials to communicate science-based information about biotechnology to their peers and adult audiences. This effort will help build public trust in these methods. A multimedia dissemination approach will make use of diverse tools such as YouTube, social media, a website, seminars, and workshops. Learn more about the grant.

Job Opening: 4-H Educator – Food and Agricultural Literacy

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Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, primarily based at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, CT.  Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference in communities by connecting community needs with university resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension.  The anticipated start date is January 2022.

The successful candidate shall create an active 4-H youth development program with a focus on STEM, food, and agricultural literacy.  The program of work shall meet critical needs in the heavily urban southwest region of the state and build the community knowledge base through a multidisciplinary, collaborative program especially in diverse, underserved communities. State and multi-state programming are also expected.  Work will be accomplished by utilizing innovative approaches to deliver timely, evidence-based solutions for participants to significantly increase youth and adult volunteers’ understanding of how food, agriculture, and STEM activities improve their communities. This position may work closely with Agri-Science programs to transition K-8 youth into high school agriculture/aquaculture science programs and other related workforce and career development programming such as MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences).  In addition to community-based learning, this position will extend the reach of UConn Extension by integrating distance-learning technology into program delivery through computer applications, web pages, electronic mailings, multimedia, and emerging technologies.  This 4-H Extension educator is a vital member of the UConn 4-H Youth Development Team and reports to the Head, Department of Extension.  For more information about the University of Connecticut 4-H Extension Program, see http://www.4-h.uconn.edu/

Read the full job description.

Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant

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The University of Connecticut is seeking applicants for a full-time position as Educational Program Assistant 1. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and engaged individual with a strong interest in finding horticultural solutions and a passion for communicating with the public. This position has 80% effort in support of the Home and Garden Education Center (HGEC) and affiliated service laboratories, and 20% effort in support of communications for the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA). The HGEC is part of UConn Extension and this person will be the main point of contact for the Plant Diagnostic Lab, Turfgrass Disease Diagnostic Center, and the Soil Nutrient Analysis Lab. The selected candidate will join a team of exemplary staff and faculty members in the HGEC that strive to identify and educate the public and private entities on environmentally sustainable and economically feasible solutions for commercial and residential horticultural issues. The selected candidate would also be a member of and primary communications staff person for the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, which is recognized for service to Connecticut through graduate and undergraduate education, outstanding public outreach programs associated with formal extension and engaged scholarship, and nationally competitive research programs.

Job Opening: Temporary University Specialist – Poultry Extension

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rooster at UConn facility
White leghorn roosters with chickens at the Poultry Uniton Jan. 27, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Temporary University SpecialistDepartment of ExtensionTolland County Office

UConn Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is looking to hire a Temporary University Specialist. The position would report to Dr. Indu Upadhyaya whom manages the coordination of a USDA-SAS grant. The candidate will assist with carrying out Poultry Extension Programs with respect to the grant in the state.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare outreach material including educational exhibits, fact sheets, web sites, videos, podcasts, phone apps.
  • Collect data from on-farm demonstrations and workshops and analyze using statistical software such as SAS.
  • Collaborates with community agencies to establish partnerships.
  • Administers evaluation tools and conducts needs assessments.
  • Writes reports as directed.
  • Serves as contact with the community and provides for informational needs such as publications, project program materials and educational opportunities.
  • May serve as project liaison for the Poultry Extension Program at UConn.
  • Assist with managing the UConn-SAS project website.
  • Participates in staff meetings and in-service training.
  • Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related fields.
  • Strong background in poultry sciences, with knowledge of statistics, programming, and basic graphic design.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The initial term is a six-month appointment with the opportunity to continue for the duration of the grant. The position is based at the UConn Extension office at Tolland County Agricultural Center in Vernon, CT. Due to the special nature of this appointment, there is no guarantee of continuing your service beyond the specified end date. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TO APPLY

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

(HR22-25)

Job: Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity

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aerial view of UConn's Horsebarn Hill and campus

The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity with appointment as Full Professor with tenure in a CAHNR Department related to the candidate’s academic discipline. We are seeking an inspirational, dynamic, and visionary individual to provide exemplary College-level leadership in two important areas: Extension and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), in alignment with the College and University strategic vision. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment, with approximately 70% effort related to Extension leadership and 30% effort related to JEDI leadership. This person will have an outstanding record of professional accomplishments commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor, with the opportunity for tenure at hire.

The CAHNR Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity will provide innovative leadership in planning, facilitating, supporting, and evaluating statewide Extension programs and JEDI initiatives across the College. CAHNR has 9 Departments, including a Department of Extension. The departments incorporate a wide range of disciplines within traditional agriculture, as well as health, the environment, and natural resources. The College includes 189 tenured, tenure-track, and teaching faculty, 97 staff, 473 graduate students and 2,036 undergraduate students. The Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity plays a key role in the daily functions of the College as a member of the CAHNR leadership team. The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean.

The Cooperative Extension System (CES) in CAHNR has provided research-based education to families, communities, and businesses across the state and the region for more than a century. CAHNR Extension is a cornerstone of UConn’s land grant mission, to create and disseminate knowledge that improves the lives of people locally, nationally, and internationally. The successful candidate will improve programmatic excellence by expanding and supporting JEDI in our programs and among our faculty, staff, students, and Extension volunteers. Approximately 100 CAHNR Extension faculty and staff are located across nine offices throughout the state including the Storrs and Avery Point campuses.

CAHNR is actively working to expand JEDI throughout the College through intentional efforts to eliminate structural racism. A standing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee provides training, workshops, and other resources to expand diversity within the College.  A CAHNR Working Group on Structural Racism was recently formed to explore how the college can break down barriers in teaching, research, and Extension. This work is integral to the CAHNR Strategic Vision. The Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity provides leadership for these College-wide initiatives.

CAHNR has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and Extension programs in the years 2020-2025. The Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity will provide leadership in advancing the implementation of CAHNR’s five strategic priorities (https://cahnr.uconn.edu/visionandvalues).

  • Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply
  • Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally
  • Dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity, inclusion and belonging by advocating for antiracist policies, practices, and norms.
  • Fostering sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces
  • Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate

The University and CAHNR prioritize scholarship in areas that impact quality of life, including human, animal, plant and environmental health and sustainability. We encourage and provide support for cross-disciplinary, collaborative scholarship across the College, University, nation, and globe. UConn is committed to Life Transforming Education for students and Extension audiences. UConn is recognized as one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly campuses by the Sierra Club. Through research, teaching, service, and Extension, UConn embraces diversity and inclusion, and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

Read full job description/apply.

Job Opening: Public Service Specialist

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Public Service Specialist
UConn Extension, Hartford County

The UConn Department of Extension welcomes applications for an experienced part-time professional to coordinate and assist with implementing professional development and creating educational resources on genetic engineering. This is a temporary position that reports to the Associate Extension Educator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plan and implement professional development experiences for educators
  • Coordinate recruitment of participants and process applications
  • Organize and attend meetings with other members of team
  • Assist with the development of curriculum on genetic engineering for formal and informal settings
  • Maintain website
  • Compiles and prepares reports, as requested
  • Performs related duties, as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate’s degree or relevant experience
  • Availability to accommodate flexible work schedule
  • Excellent interpersonal skills necessary for effective work relationships
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate information effectively to groups with different and diverse backgrounds and experience (e.g., educators, colleagues, and volunteers)
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple priorities and follow multi-step directions
  • Experience coordinating educational programs
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve administrative problems efficiently, effectively, and independently
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience with data management software (i.e., ability to upload documents to database)
  • Demonstrated ability to use social media
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with curriculum development
  • STEM/Science background
  • Prior experience with teacher professional development in a formal or informal setting
  • Experience with Kuali financial system, and website management in Aurora
  • Familiarity with UConn Extension

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a temporary appointment expected to work approximately 3 hours per week for an initial six-month period with the possibility of continuation based on research progress and funding availability. This position is located primarily in the Hartford County Extension Office in Farmington; other tasks may be performed on the Storrs campus or remotely.

TO APPLY

For full consideration, please submit at a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Jen Cushman (Jennifer.cushman@uconn.edu).

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

(HR22-15)

Part-Time Agriculture Program Coordinator In-Training Position Open

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making the three sisters recipe with members of the Mashantucket tribe
Extension educators make the Three Sisters recipe with members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

We are seeking a part-time (20 hours/week) Agriculture Program Coordinator-in-Training to work on our Mashantucket Pequot Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). The incumbent will work collaboratively with a team of Extension professionals, tribal members, and leaders to empower members of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) and communities through nutrition education and youth engagement. This includes a mix of responsibilities related to youth engagement, nutrition education and agriculture programming. The position is based in the MPTN reservation, which is located in Mashantucket, CT though the individual hired will be an employee of the University of Connecticut.

Read the full position description, including details on how to apply.

Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant – Litchfield County

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Litchfield Extension Center

The UConn Extension Center located in Litchfield County is seeking applications for a full-time Educational Program Assistant 1. This position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high quality, comprehensive, Extension programming at different program sites throughout the region, with specific support to Livestock, Greenhouse, Master Gardener and 4-H programs. The Educational Program Assistant 1 will work under the Center Coordinator to prioritize programmatic work assignments. Applications are due by April 25th. Full details at: https://bit.ly/Litchfield_ProgramAssistant

Job Opening: Assistant/Associate Extension Educator – Livestock

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Angus beef cattle crazing on horsebarn hill at UConn
Cows and calves graze along Horsebarn Hill.
Job Opening: We are seeking an Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, Extension Diversified Livestock. This position is based in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and is a joint appointment with the UConn Department of Animal Science in UConn CAHNR. Minimum qualifications include an earned masters’ degree in animal science. Full details and information on applying are posted at: https://bit.ly/ExtensionLivestock