Tolland county

Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2)

Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2)

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Search #: 497128
Work type: Part-time
Location: Tolland County Extension Center
Categories: Academic Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension is seeking a part-time Outreach Assistant (Education Program Assistant 2) who will coordinate the activities and provide support for the University’s farm-to-school outreach programming in partnership with the CT Farm to School Collaborative (CTFTSC). The mission of the CTFTSC is to utilize collective knowledge and resources to shift power and create equitable opportunities for locally produced food and food education in Connecticut schools and early childhood centers. This position works with limited supervision from the Extension Educator in Food Systems in regard to administrative duties and budget management. The position will work in close coordination with a 10-member Steering Committee of the CTFTSC in regard to communications, outreach, and network-building. The position is based at UConn Extension’s Tolland County Center in Vernon, CT with an option for telecommuting on a hybrid basis with the expectation to report onsite as needed. Occasional evenings and weekends are required to support program needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Leading and executing events and activities, including monthly meetings, workshops, seminars, and retreats, in an effort to increase visibility and momentum for farm-to-school in CT.
  • Creating, preparing, and updating outreach and promotional materials to inform and educate the public and policymakers about farm-to-school.
  • Serving as a liaison and first point of contact with stakeholders and potential partners; responding to inquiries from external groups.
  • Performing outreach presentations to partners and stakeholders to maintain stable and growing relationships in support of farm-to-school.
  • Representing UConn Extension and CTFTSC at stakeholder events and with external groups.
  • Generating meeting calendars, setting deadlines, and managing timelines.
  • Entering evaluation information into reporting systems and preparing material for progress reports.
  • Developing print, digital, and email content, e-newsletters, social media campaigns, and web content.
  • Assisting with the overall strategy for building program-related networks and relationships with stakeholders.
  • Assisting in the management of budgets, monitoring expenditures, and grant writing.
  • Ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility are modeled and upheld by the program.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Bachelor’s degree in an academic discipline appropriate to the field of specialization and two to three years of professional experience related to program specialization; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  2. Proven ability to apply a range of concepts, techniques, and practices to carry out technical program objectives.
  3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  4. Demonstrated ability to manage and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  5. Familiarity with social media platforms and management, specifically Instagram and Facebook.
  6. Ability to facilitate meetings and presentations with large groups.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. A passion for community, food systems, agriculture, food justice, and youth leadership development.
  2. A clear understanding of farm-to-school’s potential to impact community food systems, agriculture, food justice, and education.
  3. Relevant volunteer or work experience in both a school setting and also as a farmer/gardener to better relate to farm-to-school from both sides.
  4. Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, food justice, and the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  5. Detailed work ethic, demonstrated ability to self-direct while working collaboratively
  6. Demonstrated experience in managing budgets
  7. Ability to approach responsibilities and tasks with strategic thinking.
  8. Skilled in managing multiple priorities and projects while keeping track of details and long-term goals.
  9. Proven experience in program management and program development skills
  10. Spanish language. Bilingual abilities are a plus.
  11. Familiarity with graphic design programs such as Canva, as well as web-based platforms such as Wix and MailChimp.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a part-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. Telecommuting on a hybrid basis may be allowed subject to authorization and University policy. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497128 to upload a resume, cover letter that addresses how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications of the position, and contact information for three (3) professional or work-related references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 22, 2023.

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.

Advertised: Feb 20 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 22 2023 Eastern Daylight Time

Job Opening: Master Gardener Coordinator – Tolland County

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.

Learning by Doing with Heather Wirth, Extension Intern

My name is Heather Wirth, and I am excited to be an intern this summer through UConn Extension. I am working with UConn 4-H – Tolland County to plan this year’s edition of 4-H Food Revolution. My job is to create a curriculum for a four day youth summer program as well as recruiting participants. During this program youth ages seven to eleven are given the opportunity to experience hands-on learning by partaking in STEM activities relating to preparation of food, gardening, and sustainable living. This program is an important enrichment opportunity for children during the summer, and it creates a foundation for healthy living habits as well as awareness of ecological topics. Food Revolution is a fun way to connect with youth about important environmental matters and to get them out in the field to experience exciting topics.The Food Revolution program also includes lessons and activities to get children started on a Junior Master Gardener certification. I hope to make an impact on the youth of my community by providing an exciting program that sparks curiosity and lifelong learning. 

During this internship, I am working on general recruitment of new members for Tolland County 4-H. By utilizing community based outreach, my goal is to spread awareness about getting involved in 4-H in order to bring in new adult volunteers as well as more youth participants. There are a vast array of ways for people to get involved and I would like to show those who are interested that they can bring valuable knowledge and skills to the 4-H community. I would like to implement educational sessions and resources (such as brochures and social media posts) to a broad audience to spur the interest of newcomers to the organization. Another major component of my internship program is to facilitate the Tolland County 4-H Fair in August. In preparation for the event I will serve as a resource for the youth participants, assist the fair board, and conduct general organization.   

Stephen Gustafson Names Northeast 4-H Volunteer of the Year

Steve Gustafson playing soccerCongratulations to Stephen Gustafson, Tolland County 4-H Volunteer, who has been selected by National 4-H Council to receive the Northeast Volunteer of the Year award for 2020. Steve helped create and is the leader of the Paca Pals 4-H club. The Paca Pals are an alpaca club. The club meets at the Round Hill alpaca farm monthly. At the meetings the youth conduct a business meeting, learn about alpaca care and showmanship, and plan their yearly calendar. Their calendar is youth driven and is for activities, competitions and community outreach. Steve empowers the club members to take on meaningful leadership roles in the club and their community. He works equally well with youth members and adult stakeholders. Steve looks for opportunities beyond the farm where the youth can learn and grow.

Off the alpaca farm, Steve found a place for the youth to learn and grow in the Tolland Agriculture Center (TAC) 4-H Children’s Garden. The garden was established in 2002 and has been maintained by the 4-H club program for many years. A neighbor on the TAC property is the Creative Living Community of Connecticut (CLCC) Greenhouse and vocational program. The CLCC greenhouse sits right next to the 4-H Children’s garden. The work of CLCC, to create opportunities for people with and without disabilities to work and learn together, is a wonderful match with the work of 4-H. The garden and greenhouse being neighbors has enabled the CLCC farmers to work outside in the garden in the summer with the 4-H program. Steve has been instrumental in fostering this partnership. He is able to coordinate between the two groups because of his volunteer work with both. The 4-H youth and CLCC farmers are both learning valuable vocation and life skills. The UConn 4-H Program is honored to announce this well-deserved recognition for Steve.

Job Opening: Tolland County Master Gardener Coordinator

pink roses in a natural garden in West Hartford
Roses in a garden in West Hartford. Photo: Max Pixel
The 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.