Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Mari Chinn, mari.chinn@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$62,000 - $84,060

Salary

About this Position

About Us: 

The Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department is seeking a candidate to fill a full-time Extension and outreach position to provide innovative leadership and educational programming for agricultural and natural resource weather-based decision support products and weather data use, and work in collaboration with the Oklahoma Mesonet. The Mesonet is an established world-class, weather network and information delivery system jointly operated by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University (https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/mesonet/).

Responsibilities will include promoting greater understanding and use of Mesonet data and value-added products, obtaining and integrating feedback from Mesonet users, identifying the need for new and revised products and information delivery methods, and collaborating with the other Mesonet team leaders (e.g., outreach, IT, field operations, and data services) at the Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) in Norman, OK.

The successful candidate will be expected to: establish a Mesonet-focused educational program utilizing current knowledge to solve priority problems and address issues in the area of responsibility; develop a plan of work to establish goals and identify potential outcomes of Extension programming efforts; represent the Mesonet at various agriculture-related trade shows, meetings, and workshops; participate in routine staff meetings, marketing meetings, and Mesonet project planning meetings; effectively communicate and establish relationships with fellow OSU Extension professionals at the County, Area/District, and State levels; foster collaboration and networking with relevant state and federal agencies, non-governmental agencies, commodity groups and other stakeholder organizations; publish and disseminate information to clientele via factsheets, electronic media and other techniques (e.g., SUNUP TV segments) that demonstrate creativity and the ability to communicate with program target audiences and make an effort to obtain sufficient external funding to support extension activities commensurate with appointment.

Additional responsibilities will include overseeing the administrative activities of the designated program, budget development and administration for projects and programs, managing daily programmatic operations (program evaluations, long-range plans, and any staff supervision), planning and coordination of events, exhibits, visiting groups, and tours, conducting needs analysis of ag education programs with relation to weather and climate information and issues, collection and analysis of data and preparation of reports, including program evaluation and assessment, compliance with program regulations, developing necessary policies and procedures, and performing related duties as assigned or as required to successfully fulfill functions of the position.

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with OSU faculty and staff, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service personnel (Ag and 4H educators and program specialists, District Directors), and members of the Mesonet team including the Steering Committee, outreach program coordinators (public safety, wildfire management, and K-20 education) and OCS staff. Key stakeholders for educational and outreach programming include but are not limited to cooperative extension personnel, farmers, ranchers, K-20 youth, industry professionals and other clientele groups as appropriate. This position is subject to the need for the position, performance and availability of funds.

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html 

Required Qualifications

• Master's Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Technology or related field (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
• No experience required. Starting salary is based upon education and prior relevant work experience.
• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses: Valid Drivers License. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.
• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge: Advanced verbal and written public communication skills, including electronic/social media; Effective presentation and facilitation skills for program delivery with diverse audiences; Experience evaluating projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports; Demonstrated competency and effective use of computers, communication technologies, and applied engineering technologies; Effective management of time and resources; Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines; Knowledge of standard bookkeeping and accounting procedures; Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively; Ability to read and interpret policy and follow procedures for OCES as well as State and Federal regulations; Demonstrated flexibility, motivation, and follow through; Ability to work independently and cooperatively with co-workers and mission-relevant teams toward group achievements. Experience building and maintaining positive relationships and working effectively with clientele and other professionals; Exhibit honest and ethical behavior and professional appearance and courtesy; Willingness to learn basic meteorology and stay up to date on weather, technology, and issues of importance to Oklahoma agriculture and natural resource management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Technology or related field
• Exposure to crop, horticulture, and or livestock production operations through work experience Extension or research; Familiarity with data science and digital tools; 1or more years' experience training and educating on weather topics
• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses: Certified crop advisor, Oklahoma pest applicator or other pertinent agricultural certifications