The Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Educator with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will have a two-fold focus involving research and programming in 1) commercial agriculture in Hancock and Washington counties, and 2) livestock, to include poultry and small ruminants, on a statewide basis. Commercial agriculture in Maine has a diversity of agricultural enterprises including vegetables, small fruits, apples and other tree fruit, dairy, beef, sheep and other livestock. Programming may include areas such as on-farm climate adaptation, IPM, farm business management, farm machinery and safety, livestock production, horticulture, and related topics. Educational programming will often be done in partnership with county-based colleagues and statewide specialists within Cooperative Extension. In support of Maine’s local animal production needs, the educator will provide regional and statewide visionary leadership for research and program initiatives in support of poultry and small ruminant production. The position will conduct applied research and scholarship in collaboration with colleagues within Cooperative Extension, University of Maine, and other relevant entities. The Sustainable Agriculture and Poultry Livestock Educator will provide programming in agriculture in the counties of Hancock and Washington. The office location will be at either the Hancock or Washington County Extension office, to be determined prior to start date.

• Designs, implements, evaluates, and communicates to stakeholders a Plan of Work that aligns with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension mission and addresses high priority issues in the Maine Food System specifically, sustainable agriculture and livestock production.
• Oversees program development, coordination, teaching and evaluation for sustainable agriculture and livestock programming for poultry and small ruminant producers. This programming will use sound Extension methods and draws on the research base of the land-grant university and other credible sources of information that will enhance the knowledge and skills of community members, industry partners, and the academic community.
• Collaborates with appropriate statewide Extension Program Leadership Teams and the Livestock Specialist.
• Seeks and acquires external funding to support applied research and scholarly work; effectively manages ongoing grants, contracts, and special funds.
• Builds and sustains relationships and collaborates with community partners, colleagues in Cooperative Extension, faculty and staff from other UMaine academic departments, and faculty and staff throughout regional University systems with an emphasis on exploring partnerships with faculty and staff at UMaine Machias.
• Engages in applied research and disseminates the results. Partners as necessary and appropriate with fellow staff and colleagues.
• Interprets research findings on agriculture and livestock production to incorporate into work with program teams and advisory groups.
• Designs and delivers workshops, short courses, newsletters, fact sheets, videos, and other electronic media that enhance client knowledge.
• Provide timely and accurate information in response to public requests for information.
• Communicates outcomes, impacts, and public values to a variety of audiences (including legislators, funders, consumers, and other decision makers).
• Compile and submit reports as requested or required (Civil Rights, Program Impact, and Plan-of-Work).
• Seeks ways to reach underserved and under-represented community members while ensuring compliance with affirmative action, equal opportunity, and civil rights guidelines.
• Hires, trains, and supervises professionals, hourly, and/or student employees as appropriate, including conducting or participating in required performance evaluations, and providing safety and environmental management oversight.
• Assists in obtaining county funds to support the Hancock and Washington County offices.
• Participates in UMaine Extension Hancock and Washington County staff and Extension Association meetings as a member of the county staff as appropriate.
• Contributes skills and insights for effective office management in collaboration with co-workers. Serves as county coordinator and executive committee liaison on a rotating basis.
• Utilizes coaching and mentoring methods to create an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.
• Commits to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve and recommending possible alternatives.
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.