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Extension Specialist Positions (2)
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE
EXTENSION T-BY-2000 (SOIL & WATER) EDUCATION SPECIALISTS
Department of Agronomy
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
LOCATION:
To be determined in Northwestern Indiana or Southeastern Indiana
ASSIGNMENT:
Develop an area soil conservation education program with emphasis
on (1) recognition and control of soil erosion, (2) watershed
management, and (3) maintenance of water quality. Primary mission
will be to assist Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD's) in
educating farmers, landowners, public/private school teachers, land
developers, youth, and the general public on the importance of soil
conservation and on the choices available to improve the management of
these resources in accordance with the state's "T-by-2000" goals.
These foals state that by the year 2000 erosion should be reduced on
each acre of land to its tolerable limit (T) or below and that all
off-site sedimentation should be controlled using the best practical
technology.
The specialist will be expected to work closely with the
Coordinator of the T-by-2000 education Program as well as staff from
the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service and Purdue University Cooperative Extension
Service. The specialist will work with 13 SWCD boards in northwestern
Indiana or 23 SWCD boards in southeastern Indiana in the development
of educational plans and programs for the districts and the area.
Emphasis will be placed in presenting alternative methods to control
soil erosion so that the public (individually or through group action)
can make informed, rational choices on how to best manage their soil
and water resources. The position will be instrumental in developing
watershed-based resource management project areas which will be
eligible for federal and state cost-share funding.
DUTIES:
* Develop an effective educational program regarding the impact of
soil erosion on soil productivity, off-site sediment problems, and
water quality with emphasis on conservation practices that would
reduce these adverse effects in accordance with the "T-by-2000" goals.
* Coordinate and/or facilitate educational meetings and work
closely with SWCD's and staff from cooperating agencies such as the
Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Division of Soil
Conservation, Farm Services Agency, and the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management.
* Encourage SWCD's/counties to work together in developing regional
meetings on soil and water conservation.
* Assist SWCD's with marketing of educational programs and
services.
* Develop teaching materials and training programs for
public/private science and natural resources teachers emphasizing soil
and water conservation.
* Develop "on-farm" demonstrations of specific conservation
practices on University and cooperating private farms; assist SWCD's
with organization and conduct of field days and tours.
* Utilize audio-visual equipment, computers, and media (print and
electronic) to effectively present and market natural resource
conservation education concepts.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of a B.S. degree (M.S. preferred) in agronomy, soil
science, natural resource conservation or another agricultural/natural
resource related field is required. The specialist must have good
oral and written communication skills and the capability and desire to
work with people. Experience and/or training in soils, soil
management, and soil conservation is desirable. The specialist should
be knowledgeable or capable of quickly becoming competent in the
following areas:
1. Rural sociology concepts.
2. Soil conservation practices to control erosion, including the
economics of these practices.
3. Soils of the work area, soil erosion processes, and the use of
soil surveys.
4. Water quality problems and off-site damages caused by soil
erosion and nutrients.
5. Federal, stat, and local laws and policies that deal with soil
erosion, water quality, and conservation practices.
6. The purpose and function of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
and the responsibilities of SWCD supervisors and staff in soil
and water conservation.
7. The role of local, state, and federal agencies in soil
conservation and hoe they assist local SWCD's.
8. Teaching methods, ability to make oral presentations using visual
aids (video-tapes, slides, overhead, computer), preparation of
publications, and the use of the media.
9. Principals of "Total Quality Management (TQM)" which deals with
developing programs based on customer needs.
10. Facilitating meetings, presenting problem-solving techniques, and
providing guidance related to consensus-building.
JOB STATUS:
This is a professional non-tenured position. The specialist
reports directly to and is supervised by the Coordinator of Indiana's
T-by-2000 Education Program. The position is available immediately.
Applications will be accepted until **MAY 10, 1996** or until a
suitable applicant is identified. The salary will be commensurate
with qualifications and experience. For more information regarding
the position, write or call Dr. Gary Steinhardt, Screening Committee
Chairman, at ph. (317)494-8065, e-mail
gsteinhardt@dept.agry.purdue.edu or Dr. Peter Hill, Coordinator,
Indiana's T-by-2000 Education Program, at ph(317)494-4795, e-mail
phill@dept.agry.purdue.edu. To apply send resume, transcripts, and
three letters of reference to:
Dr. W. W. McFee, Head
Department of Agronomy
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1150
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.