Extension Educator,
Agricultural Water Quality
Protection
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title:
Extension Educator - Agricultural Water Quality Protection
Full-time position:
Funding from Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Extension Center:
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Sciences (AFNR)
Location:
Rochester Regional Extension Office
Application review: Application review will begin August 15, 2015. Position is open until filled.
ABOUT EXTENSION
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a
land-grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education.
The mission of University of Minnesota Extension is to make a difference by connecting
community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
This position will focus on the educational programs and processes to assist crop producers in
implementing the recently revised Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan—a statewide
effort led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer
Management Plan is the state’s blueprint for the prevention or minimization of nitrogen fertilizer
impact on groundwater (http://www.mda.state.mn.us/nfmp).
This educational program will assess water quality and crop nutrient management practices
from a local and statewide perspective. This position will provide one-on-one and group farmer
education around crop nutrient and water management plan development and implementation.
Based on this assessment, statewide educational programming will be delivered in a multipronged approach with numerous partners including University of Minnesota Extension, MDA,
agricultural professionals, individuals, small and large groups, and local advisory teams.
This position is accountable to the Extension program leader in the Extension Center for
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources for program direction, performance evaluation and
personnel actions. This position is an annual renewable position within Extension and
dependent on Minnesota Legislature’s biennial funding via the MDA. It is expected the position
will extend beyond the initial biennial allocation.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
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Develop and deliver effective educational programming to crop producers on crop
nutrient and water/irrigation through workshops, demonstrations or other activities, such
as one-on-one meetings.
o Determine programming needs by examining previous or existing assessment
processes within the state.
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Integrate existing crop nutrient management initiatives and programs by the MDA
and University of Minnesota Extension into local educational programs.
o Coordinate local efforts in establishing nitrogen fertilizer best management
practices and “alternative management practices” for designated townships. This
includes serving as an active participant in local efforts—including leadership,
coordination and advocate roles.
Establish and maintain partnerships with industry, local, regional, university and state
partnerships to further the effect of educational programming.
o Establish and maintain programming partnerships with agricultural professionals,
including fertilizer retailers, commodity groups and independent consultants.
o Assist in developing and supporting local advisory teams formed to advise the
MDA in implementation of the Minnesota Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan.
o Review crop nutrient management plans from stakeholders, agricultural
professionals and agency processes.
Establish an on-going communication network and plan to reach audiences and
stakeholders via multiple platforms, including technology-based mediums.
Evaluate and document farmer participation in the program on an annual basis. Prepare
records and reports summarizing work accomplished. Perform other related duties as
required or apparent.
Use technology for educational delivery, reporting, communication and locating
information.
Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups,
audiences and partnerships.
Ensure that Extension programs, facilities, committees and employment opportunities
are accessible to new, diverse and historically underserved audiences to the extent
necessary in this position.
Participate and succeed in progress regarding your professional performance including
the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion.
Make contributions to the whichever of the seven internal promotion criteria are relevant
for the position and its specific responsibilities, program leadership, extension teaching,
program management, scholarship, technical assistance, engagement and/or service.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
 Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is valued and desirable.
 At least one degree in a field of production agriculture is required, such as agronomy,
soils, agricultural economics or agricultural education.
Experience:
 Experience or educational specialization must be related to one or more of the following
topics: soil fertility, cropping systems, plant/crop science or farm business management.
 Two years of experience in one of the above areas is preferred.
Required skills/abilities:
 Excellent oral and written communication.
 Demonstrated ability to enhance learning with technology.
 Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with
colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
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Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Demonstrated ability to articulate public value of educational programs.
APPOINTMENT/BENEFITS
1. The full-time Extension educator position has an annual University academic professional
appointment. Renewal is dependent on state/agency funding, program need, performance
and results.
2. The University of Minnesota benefits package is available with this full-time appointment
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html..
3. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
(Must provide own means for traveling throughout the county/state and legally required
vehicle insurance.)
4. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
5. Internal promotion is available and meeting the promotion policy criteria to achieve
promotion is expected.
TO APPLY
Job Opening ID: 302627
Please apply online: http://www.extension.umn.edu/about/employment/ or call 612-624-3717.
Please attach:
 Cover letter
 Resume or vita
 Three professional letters of reference, and transcripts for all college work (unofficial
transcripts are acceptable) are also required to complete your application.
Three professional letters of reference and your unofficial transcripts that cannot be submitted
online should be sent to or if you have questions about applying online please contact:
Naaz Babvani
Extension Human Resources
260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave.
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
Telephone: 612-624-3717
Fax: 612-624-7749
babva001@umn.edu
For questions about this position, contact Tim Arlt, Extension Program Leader, 507-774-0748,
arltx001@umn.edu.
** Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our
presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not
automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
University of Minnesota Extension shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs,
facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or gender expression.