Work Location: This position will be housed at the Louisiana State University AgCenter – LaHouse Resource Center in Baton Rouge, LA. The successful candidate will be domiciled in an LSU AgCenter parish or region office within proximity of the candidate’s residence.

Position Description: This is a one-year grant funded, non-tenure track position. Continuation of employment will be dependent on funding availability, job performance, and continued need for the appointment.

This position focuses on natural hazard risk reduction education and outreach, specifically aimed at enhancing wind resilience across Louisiana. The Extension Associate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and tracking effective education and outreach strategies throughout the state. Collaboration with project and local stakeholders will be a key aspect of this role.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in implementing and delivering training programs and outreach initiatives related to FORTIFIED® standards for resilient construction. This position offers an opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders, engage community officials and citizens, and make a positive impact on building practices in Louisiana.

Duties include:

• Collaborating with professional organizations for comprehensive training.
• Developing effective communication materials, extension publications, presentations, youth demonstration kits, and resources that effectively communicate FORTIFIED® standards and general wind risk reduction strategies.
• Conducting a statewide education and outreach campaign that enhances equity through training programs, demonstration projects, youth weather-preparedness curriculum development, 4-H volunteer and club leader training, and education/outreach publications, with focus on underserved communities.
• Converting curricular materials into an online format.
• Training stakeholders, including developers, contractors, realtors, appraisers, lenders, insurance agents, architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
• Building relationships with government officials.
• Conducting community-engaged discussion sessions to identify community needs, address barriers to adoption, and gather feedback on the program.
• Contributing to a statewide education and outreach campaign.

Qualification Requirements: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required. The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel on state business for the length of the project. The candidate should have good written and oral communication skills to effectively convey information to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications: Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience or knowledge of resilient, sustainable, and/or healthy home principles, as well as experience educational development and delivery. Preferred qualifications include experience and skills in training and education, preferably in a community outreach or extension context. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in an extension role.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort, and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: July 26, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with detailed CV including educational, employment, and research or outreach experiences, official university transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and any other pertinent information. Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to:

Dr. Carol Friedland
Director, LaHouse Resource Center
Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
LSU AgCenter
3622 Gourrier Ave,
Baton Rouge, LA, 70820
Email: CFriedland@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site: AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employ