Extension Professional III (Extended Temporary)

Position Highlights

The purpose of the Associate in Extension, Plant Pathology position is to develop and deliver plant disease assessment, diagnosis and management information, structured programs, and technical support to the commercial horticulture sector, as well as urban agriculture and food systems in Yuma County, Arizona. They will assess and diagnose plant diseases (identification of biotic and abiotic diseases) affecting desert southwest commercial horticulture (primarily vegetable horticulture), urban agriculture, and food systems, and then provides management strategies based on informed research or an evidence-based approach to address the identified needs. They will interact extensively with stakeholders and conduct applied research as a foundation for a strong research-based educational program. They will also collaborate with peers and colleagues to develop and deliver educational programming in Yuma County. The Associate in Extension will offer educational opportunities through formal and non-formal classes, clinics, workshops in plant pathology, and other relevant topics as needed, to producers of horticultural and agricultural crops, professional green industry personnel, urban food producers, Master Gardener volunteers and state and federal agencies. They will provide technical support through site visits to identify problems and offer practical, science-based solutions. It is the responsibility of the Associate in Extension to identify and obtain external funding to support both applied research and programmatic needs. In addition, they are expected to present science-based information at local, state, and national meetings and conferences.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of local and regional plant disease incidence, including current and historical information to identify disease assessment, diagnosis and management program needs.
• Identifies financial resources through potential gifts, grants, and contracts to support both the research and programmatic needs.
• In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.
  
  

Program Implementation

• Implement programs that will include plant disease assessment, diagnosis and management and an applied research effort to address problem-based issues pertaining to identified clientele needs.
• Develop educational materials for clientele distribution to include peer reviewed articles, fact sheets, bulletins, social media networks, etc.
• Participate and collaborate with peers and statewide working groups to discuss and develop identified needs.
• Disseminate disease assessments, diagnoses and management practices in oral and written form and as education materials to clientele county-wide and/or statewide.
• Conduct workshops and develop media communications to reach clientele.
  
  

Program Results

• Evaluate results and impacts of delivered programs.
• Publish and communicate program results through all previously described media.
  
  

Professionalism

• Maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional meetings and applied knowledge to programmatic duties and responsibilities.
• Maintain high ethical and professional standards with commitment to Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona.
• Promote Cooperative Extension to enhance public understanding of the organization’s mission.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Desire and capability of working with diverse stakeholders and volunteers, self-confidence and self-efficacy, good time management, good judgment and sensitivity while working with peers and community members alike.
• Familiarity with job-related subject matter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to travel as appropriate to meet stakeholder needs.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• The person must have the ability to obtain an Arizona driver’s license, provide their own transportation, be able to travel statewide using all modes of transportation and have the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
  
  

Preferred QualificationsFLSAExemptFull Time/Part TimeFull TimeNumber of Hours Worked per Week40Job FTE1.0Work CalendarFiscalJob CategoryAgriculture and ExtensionBenefits EligibleYes - Full BenefitsRate of Pay$53,039 - $66,299Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)Grade7Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.Grade Range Minimum$53039Grade Range Midpoint$66299Grade Range Maximum$79558Career Stream and LevelPC3Job FamilyExtensionJob FunctionAgriculture & ExtensionType of criminal background check required:Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)Number of Vacancies1Target Hire Date4/28/2025Expected End Date6/30/2026Contact Information for CandidatesRuss Engel

russengel@arizona.edu

928-726-3904

Open Date3/31/2025Open Until FilledYesDocuments Needed to ApplyResumeSpecial Instructions to ApplicantNotice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.