Agent, Ruminant Livestock Specialist
University of Maryland
- Baltimore, MD
- Permanent
- Full-time
Background ChecksOffers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position of Agent to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer expertise in dairy, beef, and small ruminant production to producers, agricultural service providers, and UME personnel throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to dairy, beef, and small ruminant production systems, and ruminant health and nutrition. Program areas may include physiology and reproduction; herd evaluation; animal health, comfort, and welfare; facilities design and management; livestock equipment evaluation; animal nutrition; feeding systems; forage production; pasture and grazing management; environmental management, or other topics. The applicant will have access to Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station facilities including dairy, beef, small ruminant, and equine facilities with 600 acres of forage crops. The Extension Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, producers, and industry groups in facilitating implementation of best practices related to livestock production and management. The incumbent will also serve as the Maryland representative for regional dairy, beef, and small ruminant production information and training efforts. The position will be based at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center near Keedysville, Maryland.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:Education:
- Master's degree in animal or dairy science, or a related field of study.
- Experience conducting applied research to improve agricultural productivity, health, and resilience in dairy, beef, and small ruminant production through the application of nutrition, health, conservation practices, and advanced agricultural technology systems.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of the ability to work with colleagues, students, industry, and other clientele.
- Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Demonstrated experience conducting Extension or outreach education.
- Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
Preferences:Preferences:
- Ph.D. in animal or dairy science, or a related field of study.
- Demonstrated ability to develop outreach programming that assists stakeholders in making research-based decisions.
- Evidence of peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications.
- Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
- Demonstrated skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate technical information.
- Experience working with graduate students is desirable.
- Experience working with 4-H youth development programs (e.g., judging, showing, skillathon, quiz bowl) is desirable.
- Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
Posting Date: 02/29/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 03/30/2024
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
- A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research plots and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, tables, and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites.
- This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
- Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Transcript
- List of References (no emails sent from system)
- Yes
- No
- * How did you hear about this position?
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