Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity) in Amherst, Massachusetts
Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity)
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=526477&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 526477
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:UMass Extension
Union:PSU
Categories: Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences, PSU A
About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.
Essential Functions
Collaborate with Extension, faculty, and other staff and clientele on educational programming in the areas of turf and landscape management. Support planning, creation, coordination, promotion, and delivery under deadlines for varied programs and projects including workshops and seminars, short courses, printed publications, web sites and other electronic communications, presentations, and demonstrations. Identify, implement, and support emerging educational delivery technologies.
Coordinate, write, review, edit, and update research-based technical content for educational resources in the areas of turf and landscape management, such as but not limited to articles, fact sheets, newsletters, management guides, web sites and social media.
Develop and provide timely and research-based guidance to professional stakeholders or the public in response to inquiries, or via lectures or educational presentations. May include email, web, phone, and in-person communication, and travel to field locations.
Provide general support for Commercial Horticulture group activities in collaboration with supervisor and other Extension staff and faculty, including development of program objectives, design of delivery methods, management of event logistics, development of evaluation procedures, and preparation of reports. Assist in training and supervising undergraduate employees. Collaborate in seeking external funding sources to support group activities. Support management of program infrastructure and equipment including vehicles, laboratory and greenhouse spaces, offices, and supplies.
Participate in planning and conducting applied research and/or scholarly and creative activity as appropriate, either at UMass facilities or external cooperator sites. Manage data collection, support data analysis, and prepare related reports, articles, and educational materials for Extension and scholarly publications.
Maintain and increase personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities, and continuing education. Prepare and implement a professional development plan.
Represent UMass Extension at the campus, regional or state level in routine matters of organization and procedure relating to the Commercial Horticulture group.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor's degree (preferably in horticultural, agricultural or biological science, or related discipline).
Two (2) years of relevant experience.
Must have a valid driver's license.
Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, statewide, and regional activities.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff, students and stakeholders.
Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced environment.
General proficiency using computers to perform work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to work in lab environments or outdoors in all types of weather and perform physical activities associated with turf and landscape management.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Master's degree in a related discipline.
Established expertise in turf or general landscape management systems.
Familiarity with the horticulture industries in New England.
Extension experience, or experience with implementing adult education with diverse audiences.
Project management and/or event management experience.
Proficiency with computer software for word processing, and data management and analysis (e.g. Microsoft Office); online collaboration (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Google suite); CRM platforms (e.g. Salesforce, MailChimp); publication design and layout software (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Photoshop).
Experience and proficiency with web design and content management, and relevant software (e.g. Drupal).
Experience creating and implementing social media outreach or marketing programs.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, with occasional nights and/or weekends, 37.5 hours/week.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Hiring Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Mar 5 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Jun 8 2025 Eastern Daylight Time