Extension State Program Specialist in Mesonet Agriculture Outreach

Oklahoma State University is seeking a full-time Extension State Program Specialist for Mesonet Agriculture Outreach in Norman, OK. The role involves providing leadership in educational programming related to weather-based decision support for agriculture, collaborating with the Oklahoma Mesonet, and promoting its data use. Responsibilities include developing educational programs, managing budgets, and engaging with stakeholders. The position requires on-site presence and operates Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.
Position Details

Req
ID:

req18973

Position
Title:

Extension State Program Specialist in Mesonet Agriculture Outreach

Position
Type:

Staff Full-Time

Position
Number:

BF9493

OSU
Campus:

Stillwater

Department:

Biosystems/Agricultural Engineering

Location Address:

OK Mesonet, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Suite 2900, Norman, OK 73072

Hiring
Supervisor:

Mari
Chinn

Hiring
Range:

(Contingent upon available funding):

62,000.00 - 84,060.00,
Salary

Work
Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm with one hour for lunch

Faculty
Appt Period:

Job
Summary:

The Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department is seeking a candidate to fill a 12-month 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

Special
Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing their experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications, 2) resume, and 3) contact information for three references,

Education & Experience

Position
Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Technology or related field.

No experience required. Starting salary is based upon education and prior relevant work experience.

Valid Drivers License. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.

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 degree in 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

Certified crop advisor, Oklahoma pest applicator or other pertinent agricultural certifications

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to
provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff,
volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with
applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background
checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the
successful completion of a background check. The type of background
check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to,
criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor
vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background
checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the
discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity
employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding
non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal
opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion,
age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status
with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or
admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.