(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position)

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

Position Description: The Louisiana Farm to School Program is a collaborative effort to support the implementation of farm to school programming around the state, support farm to school activities, and build a local, sustainable food economy while stimulating economic development in communities. The Extension Associate is responsible to the Louisiana Farm to School (LA F2S) Program Executive Director and works under the direction of the LA F2S Program Director, and alongside the Farm to School Team. The successful candidate will plan, coordinate, and evaluate school-related programs within the Louisiana Farm to School Program, including Louisiana Harvest of the Month and Seeding Louisiana.

The Farm to School Project Manager will actively recruit schools to participate in farm to school activities, facilitate communication and networking, conduct Harvest of the Month and Seeding Louisiana trainings, and provide technical assistance to schools to ensure they have the tools for success. This position will involve statewide travel and overnights as needed.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Research and recruit potential schools and school districts to participate in LA F2S programs and conduct program evaluations.
• Provide technical assistance to schools by phone, email or in person, including one on one assistance as needed, to assist with successful implementation of farm to school programming.
• Develop additional sustainable gardening and other horticulture extension materials as needed, working with the LA F2S team.
• Assist in the provision of resources to ensure the comprehensive health, nutrition, science, and social aspects of school gardens and F2S programs occurring in community settings.
• Consult with the farm to school stakeholders to establish contacts and assist with development of LA F2S programming.
• Plan and conduct regional trainings for schools with assistance from the Louisiana Farm to School Team.
• Create project timelines to ensure timely completion of duties and compile quarterly reports as required.
• Additional duties may be assigned as the program moves forward.

Qualification Requirements:

Preferred qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in horticulture/agricultural sciences, family and consumer sciences/human ecology, biological or social sciences, education, or closely related areas and three years or more professional level work experience. Or, Master’s degree in a field listed above AND at least one year of experience in teaching and implementing a hands-on curriculum or an extension program.

This applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. The applicant must demonstrate effective organization, administration, and interpersonal communication, as well as networking skills. Ability to set priorities, and to work on multiple projects with and through others is essential as well as the ability to function with minimal supervision. Successful candidates will exemplify a positive attitude and a passion to improve the lives of others. Must exhibit initiative and resourcefulness, and work cooperatively in a positive team environment. Ability to work occasional evening and weekend meetings and events statewide.

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: October 12, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is located.

Application Procedure: Must apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume, official university transcripts, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. (Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted.) For more information contact:

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

Website: AgCenter website

The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and applications will be accepted without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Information on Equal Employment can be obtained from the EEO and Civil Rights Coordinator, 103 J. Norman Efferson Hall, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone 225.578.2258.It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to employ only United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

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.