State Specialist in Ornamental Plants

State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers

Job Summary:

The State Specialist in Ornamental Plants for Small Producers is a position in the Land Grant Program at Kentucky State University. The position will be a combination Extension (75%) and applied research (25%) responsibilities. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized Extension program for small and minority farms with emphasis in programming concerning marketing and production strategies in ornamental plants for small sale production.

This programming should focus on opportunities in cut flower production and unique bedding plants and perennial plants that would have marketing potential via farmers markets, on‑farm sales, pop‑up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives. The position will work to provide agent training for Extension professionals as well as off‑campus workshops targeted towards stakeholders in ornamental corps for small producers, support the creation of demonstration gardens on the Kentucky State University campus as part of an arboretum project, and conduct applied research supporting ornamental production for small producers, including cut flower trials, and possibly teach an undergraduate/graduate course in greenhouse management or ornamental plants production.

• Work cooperatively in ornamental plants for small‑sale production with other state Extension specialists in developing, implementing, and evaluating multi‑disciplinary activities with agent training and workshops.
• Develop curricula for Extension agents in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Provide statewide leadership in Extension programming in ornamental plants for small and minority farms by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
• Develop Extension factsheets, informational documents, journal articles, and research advancements in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Develop virtual educational resources and web‑based Extension programs through social media offerings in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Provide agent training for Extension professionals as well as workshops for various stakeholder groups in ornamental plants for small sale production.
• Develop collaborations with state and federal cooperators, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop ornamental plants for small sale production and disseminate opportunities to small‑scale farmers and other stakeholders.
• Participate actively in professional societies, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.
• Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies to enhance Extension programming.
• Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land‑grant and non‑land‑grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of Extension programming.
• Conduct applied research supporting opportunities in cut flower production and unique bedding plants and perennial plants with marketing potential via farmers markets, on‑farm sales, pop‑up shops, CSA deliveries, and other initiatives for small and minority farms.
• Establish methods and plans to promote programs and reach diverse and under‑represented audiences representative of the service area, including Limited English Proficient individuals.
• Potentially develop and teach an undergraduate/graduate course in ornamental plants for small sale production.

• Ability to lead and guide technical and professional staff.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Advanced ability to write successful grant proposals.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge and experience in working with limited‑resource and minority group clientele.
• Knowledge of current and emerging research trends in areas of expertise.

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

• Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dust,…