Field Specialist in Agricultural Business - Taney County, MO

University of Missouri-Columbia; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 52,200 - 63,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plans

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking an Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional to develop educational programs that enhance agricultural development in Missouri. Candidates must hold a master's or terminal degree in relevant fields and be able to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

The position involves responsibilities like assisting agricultural businesses, designing educational workshops, and providing administrative support. Offering a minimum starting salary of $58,000, this role provides university benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• An earned master’s or other terminal degree (MBA or Ph.D.) in agricultural economics, business administration, or related field at time of appointment.
• Experience working with a variety of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs for agricultural development.
• Assist agricultural operators with financial management and risk mitigation.
• Design and conduct educational programs and workshops.
• Engage with stakeholders to identify educational needs and collaborate on projects.

Skills

Experience working with a variety of audiences

Education

Master’s or other terminal degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional

Location

Forsyth, Missouri (primarily serves Taney, Wright, Webster, Greene, Texas, Ozark, Douglas and Christian Counties in the Southwest Region, with additional service across the state as needed).

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that support agricultural and agribusiness development and expansion in ways that improve Missourian's quality of life and enhance the economic viability of Missouri enterprises while protecting the environment and the state's natural resources. These efforts may involve:

• Assisting agricultural operators and agribusinesses with decision‑making, financial management, taxes, and risk mitigation as they start, expand, or diversify their businesses
• Assessing new business opportunities and emerging economic issues faced by producers, landowners, and businesses
• Offering technical assistance contracts, often in collaboration with state specialists, that support efforts such as business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies, surveys, etc.
• Connecting appropriate regional and state partners with an agricultural business owner when an economic development opportunity arises

Effective specialists will apply interdisciplinary knowledge and collaborate with respective regional producer groups, state and local agricultural support entities, and other relevant organizations to leverage efforts and funding opportunities.

Core duties:

• Design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs including meetings, in‑person and online courses, continuing education classes, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, and other educational methods
• Develop innovative and research‑informed educational products, services, materials, and scholarly works such as curricula, publications, presentations, and websites
• Engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, fostering partnerships and robust connections to the University of Missouri System’s programs

Professional expectations:

• Engage with stakeholders in all coverage counties to identify educational needs and collaborate with partners to meet programming needs, incorporating timely marketing strategies
• Create an annual plan‑of‑work that reflects local needs and aligns with statewide program area efforts; provide monthly reports for county councils and other stakeholders
• Collaborate on research projects and deliver findings through demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and media
• Effectively perform administrative tasks to support county efforts
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject knowledge, delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism
• Provide timely, research‑based information during natural disasters or catastrophic events
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees for assigned program area
• Participate in professional development events to improve technical and leadership skills
• Perform other duties as assigned to support MU Extension mission

Additional expectations:

• Travel regularly throughout Missouri and occasionally to out‑of‑state locations; must have valid Missouri driver’s license, a legal vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service; travel expenses reimbursed as per university policy
• Program events may occur outside normal business hours; specialists should attend as needed

Qualifications

An earned master’s or other terminal degree (MBA or Ph.D.) in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, business administration, business management or related field at time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Experience working with a variety of audiences
• Other relevant experience and qualifications as determined by university standards

Compensation

Minimum starting salary of $58,000, with final salary determined based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Eligible for university benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please contact the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.