This is a USDA grant-funded, non-tenure track position with funds anticipated through October 31, 2027. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.

Work Location: The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center – School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA

Position Description: The Extension Associate, as Program Director, is responsible for managing the Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmer Training Program. The Program Director will work directly with Project Management Team and will report to the Project PI. The Program Director will work closely with the program partners to deliver the wide array of educational programming previously developed, and provide support for a state network of farmers, for networking and mentoring. Overall duties are to plan and manage the recruiting efforts, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the beginning farmer training program. In addition, to facilitate programmatic evaluations and follow-up, including collecting feedback, administering and collating surveys, sending follow-up correspondence and surveys to program participants, and program reporting. The position will assist with the training and provide support to program partners as needed. The Program Director will need to travel in state and attend meetings and trainings as well as collaborate closely with others.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

BS degree in an horticulture/agriculture or agriculture business related field and 3 years or more professional level work experience. Potential applicants with Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the horticulture/agriculture, agribusiness, or education fields are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional experience with organic/sustainable agriculture, local food systems, horticulture, and/or agriculture education is preferable. Prior experience in managing project budgets and reporting, building coalitions and partnerships, and supervising and mentoring staff and clientele. Previous Extension or farm operations experience and training and/or classroom facilitation a plus.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has a wide variety of benefit options. Current 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 selection process.

Application Deadline: September 1, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Must apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by submitting cover letter addressing the qualification requirements, resume, official university transcripts, and contact information for three references. (Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Carl Motsenbocker
School of Plant, Environment and Soil Sciences
LSU AgCenter
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
Phone: (225) 578-1036
E-Mail: cmotsenbocker@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 Employer.