What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agriculture Extension Program Specialist position at Manatee County Government?
Work Location: 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pmExpected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 - $29.59
Position is responsible for assisting with the delivery of Extension education programs within the Agriculture and Extension Service. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the quality of the instruction, developing and following the lesson outlines, and maintaining the safety of program participants at all times. The Specialist plays a key rote in representing the Division.
Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components.
Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues.
Note: Work schedule may include weekends and/or early/late hours and periodically include weeklong overnights (4-H).
Working Conditions
Indoor/Outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 75 lbs. with assistance. Able to reach, bend, stoop and squat. Visual acuity, ability to hear and identify sounds. Able to perform strenuous work inside and outside under varying (including extreme} weather/temperature conditions. Tasks are of more than average difficulty and require that the employee exercise reasonable initiative and independent, judgment. Work with individuals or groups (ages 5 and older) in a variety of settings and weather conditions. Dynamic and often fast-paced environment with potentially stressful situations. Works with the general public, including children, ages 5-18.
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from a position.Community Gardens Program
Works with citizens and community organizations to develop successful community gardens in Manatee County. Acts as a liaison between volunteers, community organizations, and local government to determine the best locations for community gardens. Provides support to garden managers through research-based education and resources via the Agriculture & Extension Service. Matches potential garden users with existing community gardens. Manages one or more department- volunteer programs. Responsible for recruiting, training, placement, and scheduling volunteers. Develops and maintains volunteer program policies and procedures and ensures conformance with specific applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Keeps detailed records of volunteers' information and assignments. Collects information on availabilities and skills.
Assists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.
Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc.
Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public.
Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc.
Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops. Distributes educational and promotional materials.
Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs.
Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use.
Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.
Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Valid driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered including formal classroom experience and/or non-formal education work.
Prior teaching experience and familiarity with experiential learning techniques will be valuable to applicants.
Experience working with a variety of ages from pre-K through teen and adult highly desired.
Above average familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.
Able to resolve routine situations and problems.
Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.
Able to communicate routine information clearly.
General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
Capable of working independently.
Solid communication skills, both written and oral, and good command of the English language (other language proficiencies welcome).
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to perform work outside in variable weather conditions.
Ability to adapt to last minute changes in a quick manner using problem solving skills.
Knowledge of experiential learning and interpretive techniques (or willingness to learn).
Skill in the use of personal computers and appropriate software programs. Above average familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite preferred, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher.
Organization, planning and record-keeping skills.
Knowledge of curriculum/lesson plan development and implementation preferred.
Ability to develop hands-on learning activities and service-based learning education materials.
Salary : $24 - $36
