The WVU Extension Service is seeking a self-motivated individual who will implement a comprehensive Extension program in agriculture and natural resources (ANR) and 4-H Youth Development (4- HYD) with a focus on agribusiness, consumer horticulture, local foods, and agritourism and implement a comprehensive Extension program in 4-H. This is a county-based faculty position serving Tucker County and supporting Extension activity in the region.

Tucker County is a rural county located in north-central West Virginia. The population is 6,762 (2020 US Census). This position will primarily work with farmers, families and landowners to enhance their livelihoods and quality of life. This twelve-month position carries the academic rank of Assistant Professor or Visiting Instructor, depending on the candidate's level of education. An Assistant Professor appointment with a graduate-level degree will be a full-time, promotable, tenure-track appointment. A Visiting Instructor appointment with an undergraduate-level degree will be a full-time, non-tenure track appointment.

Major Responsibility of the County Extension Agent
This position's major responsibility is the interpretation and delivery of relevant educationalinformation to the citizens of the county and the region, with specific emphasis on an effortto ensure the application of this knowledge.

The Agent is responsible to the ANR Program Director for all ANR programmatic and administrative matters. The agent will seek input from the 4-HYD Program Director when appropriate for matters related to 4-HYD programming. In addition, the Agent works cooperatively with the appropriate County Program Coordinator (CPC) to integrate his/her program efforts into the total County Extension program. The amount of time which an Agent spends in specific program areas and/or in program components is determined in concert with the Unit Director.

Functions and Tasks of the Agent

• Conducts educational programs in his/her designated program area to help peoplemore effectively interpret and use science-based findings.
  
  • Assumes responsibility for developing and executing a Plan of Work. The Plan of work will include a mix of ANR programming and 4-HYD programming in the county and the Tygarts Valley region.
    
  • Involves the Extension Service Committee and community stakeholders, andappropriate program advisory committees to analyze the county situation, identify priority problems and develop and implement programs.
  • Uses the resources of the West Virginia University and the community toeffectively implement county programs.
  • Identifies, recruits, and develops volunteer leadership (i.e., master gardeners,4-H volunteers, and CEOS, among others) to assist with delivering the program of work in the county.
  • Develops and uses appropriate systems for reporting program accomplishments.
  • Functions always as a professional educator.
  • Actively participate with Extension work teams to help focus and developregional and statewide programs in designated program areas.

• Teaching: Follows a sound process in developing educational programs in his/her designated area of responsibility. Extension faculty are practitioners who develop educational programs to meet the needs of non-credit learners. Program development is a process used to assess needs, mobilize resources, and create andorganize educational initiatives to address the needs of citizens.
  
  • Develop, market, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate non-credit educationalprogramming in response to locally identified priority needs.
  • Establishes clear objectives and uses appropriate subject matter content andlearning experiences to reach these objectives.
  • Designs and implements a variety of program delivery methods to reach targetclientele.
  • Takes necessary action to ensure that enough groundwork is laid for programsto succeed.
  • Evaluates results, measures impact, and accounts to appropriate stakeholdersfor program accomplishments.
  • Uses the results of program evaluation to initiate changes in the implementation of the program.

• Service: Develops an understanding of the county, the needs of its citizens and Extension's role in meeting those needs.
  
  • Understands the county situation in terms of social and economic factors.
  • Understands the role of County Extension Service in effecting changes in thecounty situation.
  • Develops community partnerships to address county programming needs.
  • Continuously examines his/her role as a change agent.
  • Assesses the degree to which programs meet the needs of clients, inducepositive change, improve performance, or measurably impact priority problems.

• Research: Uses knowledge of agriculture to inform and guide teaching and serviceand move the faculty and learner to decision making and action.
  
  • Participates in professional development activities that increase expertise inthe discipline.
  • Demonstrates the ability to apply current knowledge to address specific priorityproblems.
  • Assesses the degree to which new knowledge moves the faculty and learnerto decision making and action.

• Understands the philosophy of Extension and utilizes effective methodology inprogram delivery and evaluation.
  
  • Understands and conveys the philosophy, objectives, and policies of WVUExtension Service.
  • Assists in determining and obtaining resources needed to implement the Planof Work.
  • Plans and provides the training needed to equip volunteer leaders to carry outthe program.
  • Develops and maintains two-way communications with volunteer leaders.
  • Establishes and maintains rapport with personnel of the mass media andarranges for appropriate releases in the program area.
  • Understands and implements the provisions of EEO, ADA, WVU's and otherAffirmative Action programs within Extension.

• Completed master's degree in an agricultural-related field of study is required. Candidates with a master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, butthe degree must be completed by hire date.
• Training and experience in agribusiness, plant science/horticulture field of study ishighly preferred.
• Training and experience in community development (such as agribusiness, etc) isdesired.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skill through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary. Extension or similar workexperience is desirable.
• Documented experience in volunteer management, supervision, resourcedevelopment, and team leadership is desirable.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use of computertechnology for educational programming and management are required.
• Experience working with advisory committees and/or focus groups.
• Experience working with the media and web-based information delivery methods.

Education & Experience Preferred:

• Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programsincluding grant writing, fund raising, contracting or cost recovery efforts.
• Experience in promoting, marketing or creating public awareness of program/servicesamong key community decision-makers.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to meet travel demands of position (overnight stays), such as 4-H youthevents, conferences, professional development sessions/trainings.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties of theposition.
• Must be able to pass the Children on Campus and Title IX required trainings.

Position Assignment:

• This is a 12-month, full-time, Extension faculty position.
• The successful candidate will be evaluated for providing a significant contribution in teaching and service and will be expected to undertake a continuing program of studies, investigations, and/or scholarly works. Accomplishments will be evaluated atleast annually and will be judged in the context of these roles.
• The position will provide agriculture and natural resources, and 4-H and Youth Development programming in Tucker County. The agent will also be a subject matter resourceperson for regional and statewide programming as needed.
• Appointment is subject to the approval of the Tucker County Extension ServiceCommittee.
• Position is expected to begin May 2024.
• Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until theposition is filled.

Application Process:

• If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, ALL the following information must be submitted through WVU Careers:
  • A cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for and outliningexperience and qualifications.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae including date(s) of employment, supervisor(s)names, and contact information.
  • A list of three references (including address, e-mail, and phone) who can reflecton your professional strengths.
  • Transcripts conferring your Master's degree. Required degree must beconferred by start of position.

Special Notice:

Upon completion of the application, screening, and interview process, a candidate will be presented to the Tucker County Extension Service Committee for their consideration. Final placement of the agent in the County is subject to the approval ofthe Tucker County Extension Service Committee.

About WVU Extension:

WVU Extension is a primary outreach division of West Virginia University, embracing the heart of the University's land-grant mission. WVU Extension maintains a presence and connections in communities across all 55 West Virginia counties. It assesses local needs, seeks science-based best practices to meet these needs, and delivers educational programs and resources through several formal and informal systems. These connections are critical to the design, implementation, and evaluation of Extension and community engagement programs.

WVU Extension envisions a West Virginia where all its people can reach their fullest potential. Our mission is to improve lives and livelihoods of all West Virginians. Extension's work is guided by collaboration and partnership; doing no harm; providing trusted, science-based practical education; helping people help themselves; serving all people, and exercising accountability. WVU Extension focuses on providing trusted and practical educational programs that improve health, education, and prosperity. These programs help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future.

WVU Extension is part of the National Cooperative Extension System present in every state and territory and is overseen by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It was created by Congress through the 1914 Smith-Lever Act. It is designed as a collaborative program funded through federal, state, and local match.

WVU Extension also includes the Fire Service Extension (c. 1931), the Institute for Labor Studies and Research (c. 1959); the Occupational Health and Safety Extension (c. 1988), and the WVU Center for Community Engagement (c. 2021).

Visit WVU Extension Service's website at www.extension.wvu.edu for additional information about our programs. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil right activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).

At West Virginia University, we pride ourselves on a tireless endeavor for achievement. We are home to some of the most passionate, innovative minds in the country who push their limits for the sake of progress, constantly moving the world forward. Our students, faculty and staff make this institution one of the best out there, and we are proud to stand as one voice, one university, one WVU. Find out more about your opportunities as a Mountaineer at http://hr.wvu.edu.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.