VA #23-017: State Program Leader & Scientist (Horticulture/Crop) - CREES

About this Position

This position is a Non-Instructional Faculty (12-Month) contract. The position is located in the NMC Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Service (NMC-CREES), under the supervision of the Dean of CREES. The position is approximately 80% research, and 20% agricultural extension and outreach. This position is charged with the responsibility of assisting CREES in fulfilling its mission by following performance duties and responsibilities articulated in the following section.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution in Horticulture/Plant Sciences or a closely related discipline plus One (1) year of field and diagnostic experience;
• Experience with Agriculture/Horticultural extension;
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have experience in Program Review and Outcomes Assessment.
• Evidence of positive team interactions;
• Ability to adapt successfully and communicate effectively in a multi-cultural/multi-ethnic community;
• Knowledge of research and extension work, educational programs and establishment of seed trial demonstration plots.
• Demonstrate ability to design, implement, and publish horticultural experiments.
• Ability to interpret and make practical application of current research findings and share general knowledge to the public.
• A scholarly record of research publications.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English using oral, written and electronic methods;
• Must be willing to work in the field, at experiment stations, on farm or other types of trials.
• Experience and/or willingness to write, prepare and manage competitive grants to support extension and research activities.
• Contributes and promotes a positive and professional working environment and relationship with the college community and promotes a positive representation of the CREES Division and the College.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in Program Review and Outcome Assessment (PROA) activities.
• Responsible for an aggressive Research and Extension programs in practical and sustainable horticultural practices in small-scale commercial settings.
• Understand small-scale raised-bed vegetable farming.
• Experienced in mechanical agricultural practices.
• Provide leadership for research on three research centers.
• Interpret and disseminate current and relevant research findings for practical use by the public and professionals through mass media, publications, workshops/conferences, demonstration trials and other proven extension methods.
• Provide training and assistance to state agents and the public on various horticultural issues including but not limited to plant selection and identification, water conservation, plant stress mitigation.
• Maintain liaison and close working relationship with other institutions and government and private agencies.
• Work cooperatively with other extension agents in developing and implementing multi-discipline activities.
• Work closely with and provide statewide technical support to farmers and ranchers.
• Conduct applied research program within the area of horticulture for small farm application.
• Acquire extramural funding to support, develop and implement extension and research programs.
• Publish research results in peer review journals and other general scholarly activities.
• Report research and extension activities and program impacts, complete Plan of Work, AREERA report and other reports as required.
• Develop working relationships with other research institutions in the areas of horticulture and small-scale farming.
• Collects, records and analyzes data that will be disseminated to stakeholders by using an array of techniques to reach even unconventional of clientele (i.e. field demonstrations, group discussions, workshops, newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters, calendars, television and radio programs, etc.)
• Conducts workshops, training, and certification programs relevant to the needs of the community and farmers.
• Trains and supports the professional growth of team members.
• The scientist is expected to develop a work plan, which may involve a concerted effort from other government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and extension and research personnel in addition to overseeing program personnel.
• As a result of his/her professional competencies, at times this individual will be charged with coordinating events, acquiring funding, evaluating established project outcome measures and supervising personnel.
• The scientist will assist and support the CREES Dean and/or his/her designee in planning and executing projects of great interest to CNMI stakeholders.
• Provides effective communication and customer service skills.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The scientist is expected to develop a work plan, which may involve a concerted effort from other government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and extension and research personnel in addition to overseeing program personnel. As a result of his/her professional competencies, at times this individual will be charged with coordinating events, acquiring funding, evaluating established project outcome measures and supervising personnel. The scientist will assist and support the CREES Dean and/or his/her designee in planning and executing projects of interest to CNMI stakeholders.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 20 Ibs. The employee should expect to be tasked to work outdoors in the sun and heat, on or around wet surfaces, and other areas exposed to the elements.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary. 

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.