Job Title

County Extension Agent - Horticulture - Denton County

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

County Program D04

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Denton, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary

The County Extension Agent, under general supervision, implements, plans, and evaluates educational programs and activities in assigned program areas. Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Program Planning:

• Is responsible for planning with committees, task forces, groups, and organizations to conduct educational programs and activities. Develops comprehensive outcome and output program plans which address base programs, critical issues and clientele needs. Plans evaluation strategies for outcome directed programs and significant program activities. Plans regularly with the total staff to coordinate programming efforts. Coordinates and collaborates with other agencies, groups and organizations to plan educational programs.

Program Implementation:

• Is responsible for implementing the planned educational programs and activities in assigned program areas. Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities. Provides leadership or serves in a support role in implementing educational programs which address critical issues and/or emerging needs. Identifies, recruits, and trains local volunteer leaders to enable them to effectively perform their duties while serving on committees, clubs, and/or organizations. Utilizes a variety of teaching methods, strategies/techniques, activities, and materials in conducting educational programs. Complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Affirmative Action Plan of Texas AgriLife Extension Service in conducting Extension educational programs. Works with and supports Extension-sponsored groups, such as 4-H clubs, Texas Extension Education Association clubs, and master volunteer groups toward the achievement of increased participation and strengthened programs.

Program Evaluation:

• Utilizes appropriate evaluation strategies/techniques to determine the progress of outcome programs and other program activities in reaching the objectives of the county program. Utilizes evaluation results to make program revisions and modifications. Utilizes evaluation data and program outcomes to interpret program impacts to elected officials, key leaders and stakeholders.

Reporting and Interpretation:

• Maintains appropriate communications with county, district, and administrative staffs to facilitate comprehensive understanding of the county program. Prepares monthly, annual and special reports and outcome program summaries to demonstrate results of planning, program accomplishments, and changes in behavior resulting from the educational programs. Conducts multiple interpretation events for county and state elected officials to report on program accomplishments and outcomes.

Individual Development:

• Develops a long-range professional improvement plan with the appropriate District Extension Administrator and appropriate input from Regional Program Directors. Develops annual individual development plan which addresses short term professional improvement needs and career goals. Participates in formal and informal training opportunities to increase knowledge and skills and maintain technical competencies.

Office Management:

• Maintains a neat office which facilitates effective working conditions and presents a favorable image. Keeps informed on Extension policy, research reports, and publications which are applicable to program responsibilities and position description. Participates in regularly scheduled county staff conferences to coordinate plans, activities, and joint work to promote staff teamwork and to make the best use of each agent's time. Assists in the maintenance of files, mailing lists, membership rolls of Extension-related organizations, and inventories. Keeps informed on and complies with the Equal Employment Opportunity Program of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Cooperates with the county coordinator and other staff members in the development and implementation of an EEO Action Plan for the county office unit. Participates in recruiting, employing, training, and other related activities for secretarial and paraprofessional personnel the agent supervises or jointly supervises in accord with the policies and procedures of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program of Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Conducts annual performance review with each support staff member the agent is assigned to supervise or coordinates with other staff members with joint supervision responsibilities for the review.

Other Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned. The responsibilities of the County Extension Agent are performed in a professional manner through coordination and cooperation with other county staff members under the supervision of the assigned administrator.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• No Experience Required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• Ability to use laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus and computer equipment.

• Proficiency with both PC- and Mac-based data entry and analysis programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and graphic software.

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (both orally and in writing).

• Strong people skills and ability to work effectively with others.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships

• Ability to work outdoors and operate a wide range of farm and experimental equipment.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Must have a valid Texas Driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• Physical requirements to operate a computer (keyboard, screen visualization, etc.).

• Willingness to operate an automobile.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/extension-home/)

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/college-home/)

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/tvmdl-home/)

  Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners.

• Prospective employee benefits

• Retirement programs

• Commitment to inclusive excellence (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/)

• Strategic plan