Extension Agent, CED (Travis County)

Job Title

Extension Agent, CED (Travis County)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Adloc Cooperative Extension Programs

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Austin, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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The Extension Agent, under general supervision, implements, plans, and evaluates educational programs and activities in the Community and Economic Development (CED) unit for the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in crop production, livestock production, range, wildlife, agricultural economics, water quality, and conservation, or natural resource management as well as work with federal, state, and local organizations in Travis County.  This position is located in Travis County at 1600 Smith Rd., Austin, TX 78721.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities:

• Program Planning and Evaluation: Delivers and assists in the delivery of programs on small business lending, government contracting, understanding credit, debt management, youth entrepreneurship, asset building, etc.; teaches and delivers Community and Economic Development (CED) community-based educational programs through a wide variety of teaching methods at sites throughout the geographic area served regularly; uses appropriate means to critically review and disseminate related research; plans, implements and evaluates culturally competent educational programs that reach, and are accessible to a wide range of audiences; plans and implements appropriate impact evaluations and reports to document program effectiveness; develops plans of work based on ongoing assessment of community needs; develops and follows a personal plan for professional development in the area of community resource development and outreach education methodology consistent with personal and organizational goals.

• Technical Assistance: Provides general assistance to entrepreneurs, small business owners, agribusinesses and land owners on financial resources, business planning, marketing, budgeting, efficient agribusiness practices, and business development issues; provides general information on grant writing procedures and funding agencies available to non-profit organizations; conducts regular community workshop on CED related topics.

• Community Outreach: Works with county and regional economic development agencies to incorporate local county needs into economic development plans programs, and strategies; collaborates with non-profit community organizations, agencies, key stakeholders, civic groups, local governments, and other Extension staff in the region to provide a broad array of integrated and multi-county programs.

• Media Communication Outreach: Assists in the marketing and promotion of the Community and Economic Development Systems Unit by participating in internet radio blogs on various small business and community topics, mass media interviews (when appropriate) and contributes to Extension publications developed on community and economic development topics.

• Participates and assists in college-wide events, activities, committees and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.

• Three years of demonstrated professional experience in small business development, entrepreneurship, business ownership, agribusiness development, farmer’s market/Cooperative development, community resources, business financing, home ownership, or community organization development.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

• Technical competence in appropriate subject matter and the ability to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems.

• Understanding of the learning and development processes of youth and adults.

• Knowledge of a variety of teaching methods to provide effective learning experiences.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to reside in county, have access to a personal vehicle, obtain or maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License, appropriate insurance coverage and travel connected with official duties (including attendance at meetings or events that may take place during the night, weekend or out-of-county).Travel allowance is provided.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five or more years of professional experience educating individuals in the area of small business development, entrepreneurship, business ownership, agribusiness development, farmer’s market/Cooperative development, community resources, business financing, home ownership, or community organization development.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.