SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The position is responsible for the development and delivery of educational agricultural outreach programs that are rooted in the IAIA Strategic Priorities. The incumbent supports IAIA’s mission, vision, and core values. NOTE: Although grant funding for this position may be extended, a grant-funded position has no guarantee of on-going and indefinite employment
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
- Develop and deliver agriculturally related educational outreach programs that support the IAIA Mission, Vision, and Core Values. The Extension Educator will:
- Determine agricultural educational needs for Indigenous communities across the United States.
- Based on the needs of the agricultural educational needs of the Indigenous communities, develop and teach Continuing Education courses/workshops at IAIA (online and/or in person). The topics may include gardening, health and wellness, nutrition, cooking, food preservation, etc.
- Educate Indigenous communities across the United States in agricultural practices using curriculum such as the Indigenous Youth Agriculture (IYA) program. Education may be conducted in-person and/or virtually.
- Train IAIA students in delivering programs (e.g. the Junior Master Gardener program) in other communities as summer interns
- Ensure that any curriculum used incorporates the distinctions of the region and incorporates appropriate public Traditional Indigenous agricultural practices of the region.
- Develop educational materials and articles for the Land-Grant webpage (e.g. best agricultural practices, healthy recipes with nutritional values, etc.).
- Develop research projects as necessary to improve the program and make advancements. Seeks and writes grant proposals for funding research projects. Manages grant awards and submits reports in a timely manner.
- Work with Agriculture experts and Extension Agents to develop and deliver new programs and curriculum.
- Identify, train, and supervise any IAIA student interns who work under the program.
- Must have experience working with Tribal communities.
- Successful budget management experience
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Must have a Bachelors degree with at least three (3) years experience in project management, coordination of sustainable agriculture projects, cooperative extension services, or tribal outreach. PREFERRED: A Masters degree in Life Sciences such as Agricultural Biology, Horticulture, Food and Science Technology, etc., and prior experience with USDA grants and/or comparable grants. Teaching experience at the secondary and/or post-secondary levels is desirable. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous Traditional agricultural practices across the United States. Must also have experience working with American Indian and/or Alaska Native cultures.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES)
- Experience developing working relationships with agriculture, health, and community organizations.
- Experience teaching and delivering programming to individuals of all age ranges.
- Demonstrated knowledge of agriculture education and Land-Grant initiatives.
- Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of sustainable agricultural practices, gardening, and farming methods.
- Demonstrated knowledge of values, cultures, customs, and tribal protocols.
- Proven ability to interact with a wide range of individuals and at all levels, professionally and effectively.
- Ability to complete assignments accurately and on time, with minimal supervision.
- Previous work experience in community agriculture and/or nutrition education.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is performed in an office environment, with attendance required for outside activities to include outreach to key community constituents and other job related venues.
- Performance of essential functions requires the ability and skill to communicate effectively and efficiently verbally or in writing with varied audiences.
- Proficient use of standard office equipment and software is essential in performing essential functions.
- Travel for meetings is expected. Using a personal vehicle will require proof of insurance. Use of IAIA company vehicle, when available, will also require a clean driving recording, in order to be bondable.
- Management has the right to revise this job description at any time, with or without notice.
- This job description does not list all the duties of the job.
- The job description is not a contract for employment.
