State Specialist in Ornamental Plants

TITLE: State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers 

DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program 

REPORTS TO: Dean, College of Agriculture Community and the Sciences 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months 

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD 

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time  

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt  

JOB SUMMARY:  

The State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination Extension (75%) and applied research (25%).   

The State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination of Extension (75%) and applied research (25%) responsibilities. The successful candidate that will develop a nationally recognized Extension program for small and minority farms with emphasis in programing concerning marketing and production strategies in ornamental plants for small sale production. This programing should focus of opportunities in cut flower production and of unique bedding plants and perennial plants that would have marketing potential via farmers markets, on-farm sales, pop-up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives. This position will work to provide agent trainings for Extension professionals as well as off-campus workshops targeted towards stakeholders in ornamental corps for small producers. The position will also support the creation of demonstration gardens on the Kentucky State University campus as part of an arboretum project. This position will conduct some applied research supporting ornamental production for small producers, including cut flower trials, and possibly teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in the area of greenhouse management or ornamental plants production. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Work cooperatively in ornamental plants for small-sale production with other state Extension specialists in developing, implementing, and evaluating multi-disciplinary activities with agent training, and workshops.
• Develop curricula for Extension agents in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Provide statewide leadership in Extension programming in ornamental plants for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. 
• Develop Extension factsheets, informational documents, journal articles, and research new advancement in ornamental plants for small sale production
• Develop virtual educational resources and web-based Extension programs through social media offerings in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• This position will work to provide agent training for Extension professionals as well as workshops for various stakeholder groups in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Develop collaborations with state and federal cooperators, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop ornamental plants for small sale production and disseminate opportunities to small-scale farmers and other stakeholders.
• Participate actively in the appropriate professional societies, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.
• Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies to enhance Extension programming.
• Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land grant and non-land grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of Extension programming.
• Conduct some applied research supporting opportunities in cut flower production and of unique bedding plants and perennial plants that would have marketing potential via farmers markets, on-farm sales, pop-up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives to small and minority farms.
• Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and underrepresented audiences representative of the service area including Limited English Proficient individuals. 
• Potentially develop and teach an undergraduate/graduate student course in the area of ornamental plants for small sale production.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

• Ability to lead and guide technical and professional staff. 
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. 
• Advanced ability to write successful grant proposals.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. 
• Knowledge and experience in working with limited-resource and minority group clientele.
• Knowledge of current and emerging research trends in areas of expertise.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:  

• Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dust, water, smoke, and/or unpleasant odors.
• This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities.
• Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 20 pounds or some standing or walking.  
• Overnight travel in-state and out-of-state required (25%).

OTHER DUTIES: 

• The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Required: Ph.D. or Masters of Science degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field

Licensing and Certifications: 

• Valid KY Driver's License

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. 

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.