Extension Specialist - Beef Cattle

Fort Valley State University; Fort Valley (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Valley State University is seeking an Extension Specialist in Beef Cattle. The role focuses on enhancing educational programs for beef cattle producers, providing leadership, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Animal Science and experience in beef cattle production. This position involves travel within Georgia. Join us to make an impact in the community.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Animal Science, Livestock Management, or a closely related field.
• Experience in beef cattle production or Extension programming.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Extension programming on beef cattle production.
• Provide training and expertise to county Extension agents.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners on priority issues.

Skills

Beef cattle production

Oral and written communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

M.S. in Animal Science or related field

Ph.D. in Animal Science (preferred)

Job description

Extension Specialist – Beef Cattle

Fort Valley State University, a state and land‑grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Extension Specialist – Beef Cattle.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal‑opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

Job Summary

Fort Valley State University seeks a dynamic, knowledgeable, and highly motivated Extension Specialist in Beef Cattle to support and enhance the University's Cooperative Extension Program. This position will focus on providing educational leadership, technical assistance, and research‑based knowledge to Georgia's beef cattle producers, Extension agents, and stakeholders. The Extension Specialist will collaborate with faculty, county agents, producers, and agricultural organizations to address issues related to beef cattle production, herd health, nutrition, genetics, and sustainable livestock management.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver comprehensive, research‑based Extension programming focused on beef cattle production, health, nutrition, breeding, and management.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to county Extension agents and stakeholders through training sessions, field days, workshops, on‑farm demonstrations, and educational materials.
• Collaborate with FVSU researchers, state and federal agencies, commodity groups, and industry partners to identify priority issues and develop responsive programs.
• Assist in writing and securing grants and external funding to support Extension programming.
• Develop educational materials including fact sheets, newsletters, bulletins, videos, and online content.
• Support undergraduate and graduate education through guest lectures and student mentoring as appropriate within Extension policies.
• Stay abreast of current trends, emerging issues, and research developments in beef cattle production.
• Participate in appropriate professional development and professional organizations.
• Maintain regular reporting and documentation of activities and program impacts in accordance with university and USDA‑NIFA guidelines.

Qualifications

Required:

• M.S. in Animal Science, Livestock Management (emphasis on beef cattle), or a closely related field.
• Experience in beef cattle production and/or Extension or outreach programming.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel within Georgia and occasionally out of state.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field with specialization in beef cattle.
• Experience working with small farmers.
• Record of scholarly publications, grant writing, and program evaluation.