Announcement of Temporary, Part-time Position Opening: Assistant Agricultural Compost Outreach and Education Coordinator, WSU Extension Snohomish County, Everett Office

Description:

The Assistant Agricultural Compost Outreach and Education Coordinator is responsible for assisting in reaching out to local farmers to sustain conversation about how commercial compost can be utilized as a part of a holistic land management program. The Assistant Coordinator will visualize and explain the local and global importance of re-designating our ‘waste stream’ as a vital resource for agricultural land. The Assistant Coordinator will also aid the Agricultural Department of the WSU Snohomish County Extension office in preparing educational literature and signage, hosting On-Farm Field Days, and presenting information at various public forums. By working with the supervising faculty member and other content specialists, the Assistant Coordinator will develop and update curricula; Implementing advanced trainings on priority issues; Engaging stakeholders, other Extension program experts and community agency partners in program development and implementation; Providing and communicating organization policies, educational resources and outreach support for clientele; Developing and implementing communications with the general public including diverse communities; and outreach to the farming and composting communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Understand the functions of compost in the production of agriculture crops.

2. Educate, provide information and offer the opportunity for farmers to participate in a demonstration project about the application and use of compost on their farm.

3. Assist in the development of and participate in research field days and farmer workshops.

4. Negotiate arrangements between farmers and participating compost suppliers to implement on-farm demonstrations.

5. Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of farmers in the County and track results of demonstration trials, research trials, and outreach events.

6. Assist in grant writing.

7. Travel to farms; use phone, email and personal visits to contact farmers.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Job Expectations:

· Work in an academic environment as well as in a public (lay) environment.

· Understanding of how compost is produced and how it is used to amend soil and grow crops.

· Ability to work as a team member in collaboration with WSU Extension, Snohomish County, the Snohomish Conservation District and other future partners.

· Ability to work independently while implementing field projects.

· Communicate both orally in small and large groups and in writing through electronic media, educational publications, news media, videos, web pages and newsletters.

· Assist in grant writing.

· Interact and problem solve with all people in a positive manner.

· Keep accurate records, complete timely reports, and develop, administer, and analyze program evaluation.

· Multitask and deal with stressful situations professionally.

Required Qualifications:

1. Earned Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience in program coordination.

2. Experience in leading, developing, delivering and managing programs for the general public.

3. Experience in curricula and educational activity development and delivery.

4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using oral, written, electronic and listening skills.

5. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

6. Willingness to do grant writing.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Experience in writing grants.

2. Teaching experience either in a formal and informal environment.

3. Demonstrated ability to organize large events including multi-day training courses.

4. Experience in leadership and teamwork – providing and receiving direction to and as part of a team.

5. Demonstrated ability in working with low-income and culturally diverse audiences.

6. Language skills in another language in addition to English.

Salary:

This position is funded at $20/ hour for 20 hours per week.

Benefits will start after working for 450 total hours.

Other Things to Note:

1. This position is currently funded through September of 2016. Work beyond September will rely on our ability to receive grants.

2. This position is an “at will hire”.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter by 2/12/16 to

Mason Giem
mason.giem@wsu.edu

For questions please call
425-357-6011