What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agricultural Outreach and Training Coordinator position at SCSU 1890 Research and Extension?
The Agricultural Outreach and Training Coordinator will play a vital role in executing the objectives of the AgriTech Outreach and Training Initiative (AOTI) under the 2501 Program. This position is responsible for **coordinating, implementing, and evaluating outreach and training programs designed to assist socially disadvantaged and underserved farmers and ranchers. The coordinator will collaborate closely with extension agents, university faculty, project stakeholders, and farmers to ensure the effective delivery of training programs and workshops across targeted regions.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Implementation & Coordination:
- Develop, organize, and facilitate outreach programs, workshops, and training sessions on agricultural technology adoption, farm management, and sustainable practices.
- Assist in the design and delivery of educational materials tailored to socially
disadvantaged farmers, including bilingual resources when necessary.
- Coordinate with regional Extension Agents to ensure a consistent and **collaborative
approach across different counties.
Farmer Engagement & Technical Support:
- Establish and maintain relationships with socially disadvantaged, small, and veteran
farmers to address their specific needs.
- Provide one-on-one technical support on precision agriculture tools, mobile technology clinics, and farm management strategies.
- Serve as a liaison between farmers and USDA agencies, connecting them with resources and funding opportunities.
Data Collection & Program Evaluation:
- Assist in conducting **pre- and post-training surveys, focus groups, and interviews** to
assess the effectiveness of training programs.
- Collect and analyze feedback using evaluation tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, and online survey
platforms).
- Prepare impact reports and success stories to document project outcomes for stakeholders and funding agencies.
- Ensure all outreach and training activities align with the objectives and guidelines of the
2501 Program Grant.
- Assist with tracking program expenditures related to outreach activities and participant
support.
- Support the Principal Investigator in preparing grant reports, budget justifications, and
compliance documentation**.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Extension Education, Agribusiness, Rural
Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Experience in agricultural extension, outreach, or training programs, preferably working with socially disadvantaged or underserved farming communities.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills for conducting training sessions and
workshops.
- Ability to work with farmers, extension personnel, and university researchers to develop
and implement impactful programs.
- Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools (Excel, survey software, or evaluation
methods).
- Comfortable using different technologies in Precision Agriculture, such as soil moisture
sensors, data loggers, drones, and other precision ag tools.
- Willingness to travel regionally for fieldwork, outreach events, and community
engagement.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working on USDA grant-funded projects or with federal agricultural
programs.
- Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies, mobile clinics, and digital farming
tools.
- Bilingual proficiency (Spanish or another language commonly spoken in farming
communities) is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a grant-funded position with a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits include health insurance, retirement contributions, and travel reimbursements for outreach activities. Employment is contingent upon continued grant funding.
South Carolina State University is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff and applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65,000 - $70,000
