Charles County

Review the changes made to the Nutrient Management Program by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)

Read the latest press release from MDA

Contact your local Extension office for nutrient management plans and documentation

Agent Associate (Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator)

This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Charles County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Charles County horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Charles County, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The position will be located in the Charles County Extension Office in Bel Alton, Maryland

Responsibilities:

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
• Develop educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, web content, YouTube videos, social media blogs, podcasts, websites, etc.
• Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Charles County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and coordination of community-based projects.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, fruit and vegetable production, composting, native plants, pest control, and other subject related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner. (This may be done in consultation with the local Agricultural agent.)
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner. Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through news releases, county websites, newsletters and social media updates, etc.
• Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
• Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through news releases, website updates, etc.
• Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating impact data of local home horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD/UME policies and protocols.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community and other relevant organizations to implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships, especially to reach traditionally underserved or marginalized audiences to deliver outreach education.
• Collaborate with other UME field- and campus-based faculty and staff on programs and projects of mutual interest when and where appropriate.
• Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.

For more information, go to the ejobs website.

Tech Extension Educator

University of Maryland Extension is seeking to fill seven (7) Tech Extension Educator/Navigator positions, with one position at each of the following county Extension office locations:

Office Location: Multiple Locations

• Northern Cluster (1 position in Harford, or Baltimore County)
• Northern/Central Cluster (1 position in Carroll or Frederick County)
• Capital Cluster (1 position in Prince George’s or Anne Arundel County)
• Central Cluster (1 position in Montgomery/Howard)
• Upper Eastern Shore Cluster (1 position in Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, or Caroline County)
• Lower Eastern Shore Cluster (1 position in Dorchester, Worcester, Wicomico, or Talbot County)
• College Park (1 position for statewide)

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will develop partnerships with local agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, workforce agencies, for-profit industry, and others in the respective city/cluster. Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will:

• Assist community residents with digital inclusion information and resources on affordable broadband access, appropriate device, and digital skills.
• Provide educational programs and information to increase digital literacy skills.
• Provide basic technical support to enhance digital access and inclusion in Maryland. Tech Extension Educator/Navigator will report to Digital Literacy (Tech Extension) Project Director and Digital Navigator Program Manager. Digital literacy teaching can be conducted in-person, hybrid, or virtually (group or individual classes). Navigation assistance can be provided in-person, telephone, video-chat, email, text, and other communication methods that work for the learner.

For more information and to apply, go to the ejobs website.

Agent (Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Mary's County)

University of Maryland Extension is seeking to hire a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Educator position in St. Mary’s County. The home office is located in Leonardtown, Maryland, and provides programming to the Southern Maryland Cluster, which includes Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties.

The Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. Programs will focus on improving the health and well-being of residents and communities in the Southern Maryland Cluster. Chronic disease prevention, nutrition and physical activity, public health, and mental health are priority areas for this position. Healthy food access and preparation; consumer food safety and preservation; wellness promotion; health literacy, and other relevant health topics are vital components of a comprehensive health and well-being program. This position will also create and support community partnerships that support extension programs and policy, systems, and environmental approaches. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic outcomes. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined time frame.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents’ health needs. Promote health equity and social justice through educational programs and community engagement. Conduct and analyze community needs assessment to develop innovative educational programs grounded in research and science.
• Provide leadership to develop interdisciplinary educational programs that are culturally appropriate for diverse audiences. Use a holistic approach for developing a program focusing on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. May include nutrition and healthy eating, chronic disease prevention and management, health literacy, physical activity, mental health, food safety, health promotion and other related topics identified as relevant for local audiences. Educational outreach programs may include workshops, seminars, training, webinars, and other methods that are virtual, in-person, or blended. A social media presence to support educational programs is expected.
• Collaborate with the extension team in the Southern Maryland Cluster and relevant FCS Action Teams to develop health and well-being educational programs meeting the priority needs of families and communities across the Cluster.
• Engage clientele in the education process using learner-centered strategies as well as public health approaches that result in positive behavioral changes.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations with colleagues, campus specialists, external organizations, and government agencies at the county, Cluster, and state levels.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with community coalitions, organizations, agencies, and groups to develop education and outreach opportunities as well as policy, systems, and environmental strategies for target populations and communities.
• Collect program evaluation and report outputs, outcomes, and impacts utilizing evaluation strategies as outlined by the FCS and Action Teams.
• Identify and seek external funding to support the Extension programming and evaluation, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery efforts.
• Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, refereed journal articles, etc.
• Actively participate in professional services such as relevant committees, boards, and associations at local, state, University, and national levels.

For more information and to apply, go to the ejobs website.