Part-time Agriculture Program Assistant - Brooke County Extension Service

Brooke County Extension Service at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Part-time Agriculture Program Assistant.

About the Opportunity

The Brooke County Agriculture Program Assistant is an employee of the WVU and works for WVU Extension in Wellsburg, WV. The employee is supervised by and reports directly to the County Program Coordinator who will also be responsible for evaluation of the employee utilizing WVU Extension Policy and Procedure. The assistant is responsible for working with the Extension Agent to plan and execute agricultural educational programs for the citizens and residents of Brooke County.

What You'll Do

Under the supervision, direction, guidance and evaluation of the supervising agent, the WVU Extension Agriculture Program Assistant will assume the following responsibilities

Agriculture program (under the direction of the Brooke County Extension Agents):

• Serve as liaison to the leadership of local agriculture related organizations i.e. Farm Bureau, Beekeepers Association, school related programming, assist as needed with 4-H clubs, etc.
• Develop educational programming related to agriculture for youth and adults which may be delivered in schools, camps, community-based venues, etc.
• Organize and develop mass media materials needed to enhance agricultural programs i.e. regular newsletters, news articles, educational brochures, Facebook, website, etc.
• Assist in the facilitation of periodic evaluations of programs and activities to identify areas of need.
• Be a resource for community regarding insects, trees, soil, and other agriculture related issues
• Expected to work with agents to facilitate programming and events at the Brooke County Fair.
• Assist the 4-H Extension Agent with the creation and management of youth livestock clubs, including meetings, programming, tagging, etc.
• Other duties related to agriculture based on grant availability and other funding opportunities
• Develop and conduct training for 4-H'ers who want to show at county and state fairs.
• Horticulture program (under the direction of and in conjunction with the Brooke County Extension Agent):
• Conduct an annual pesticide recertification training
• Aid homeowners in identifying horticultural pests i.e. individual requests, staging a pest identification public awareness program
• Assist with community gardens and other community-based gardening programs.
• Assist with Master Gardener programming.
• Assist with Farmers Markets and Youth Pop Up Markets as needed.

General Extension Work:

• Serve as a team member of the county extension program by participating in extension service committee meetings, office staff meetings, filing proper reports, and offering creative suggestions for program improvement.
• Stay in compliance with all University vetting processes, policies and best management practices as they relate to the recruitment, management, and training of volunteers and leaders who support Extension programming.
• Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies including reaching out to underserved and underrepresented audiences.
• Foster effective communications and develop strong partnerships with Extension faculty/staff, county officials, and local schools.
• In collaboration with the supervisor, serve as a part of the team to provide leadership and support to engage stakeholders through various community groups and organizations.
• Expected to participate in job-related trainings, certifications, and professional development as directed by supervising agent.

NOTE: The duties listed are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties assigned any individual employee are at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Pay Grade: 13
Work Hours: 19 Hours per week

• Requires high school diploma or general education degree (GED) with two years of related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a field related to the job focus preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience involving:
  • Work or volunteer experience in the field is desired.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
  • Candidates must possess a high degree of written and/or verbal communication skills in dealing with other employees, clients, and the general public.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct and set-up trainings and perform duties of the position (at least 50 pounds).
• Knowledge of office methods, practices, and protocols.
• Knowledge of best practices regarding the promotion of agriculture and natural resources.
• Skill in managing one's own time.
• Skills in communication as needed (written/oral/telephone/in person) to perform duties in a professional manner.
• Skills in planning and organizing tasks and setting priorities for responsibilities.
• Skills in problem solving and dealing with a variety of interests and personalities.
• Skills in public speaking and presenting to various age groups ranging from youth to older adults.
• Skill in the use of personal computer/software, including Microsoft Office programs, i.e. Word, Excel, Publisher, etc.
• Skill in technology issues such as computer maintenance, updates, software installations and upgrades, troubleshooting.
• Ability to be assertive and proactive while being a self-starter.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, occasional nights and weekends required.
• Ability to market and promote Extension programs to local constituents in a professional manner.
• Ability to travel independently throughout Brooke County and sometimes to other counties.
• Ability to learn website editing and maintenance.
• Ability to pass background checks, maintain Title IX and youth protection training certifications, as well as follow other security protocols designated by WVU.
• Ability to learn the policies and procedures of the West Virginia University, WVU Extension Service, WVUES Programs, WV Ethics Commission, government travel regulations, and some USDA regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• This position does require discretion and STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY.

• Valid driver's license; provides own transportation to complete assigned duties (mileage reimbursement provided);
• Ability to pass a required criminal background check;
• Ability to successfully attain WVU policy certifications;
• Ability to work overnight events such as 4-H camp during the summer.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.