Cooperative Extension Assistant (Agriculture Program Coordinator)
Job description
WSU Snohomish County Extension, a joint Washington State University Extension and Snohomish County program within the Parks & Recreation Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking a Cooperative Extension Assistant (Agriculture Program Coordinator) to join our team. The successful candidate will provide educational, logistical, promotional, and technical support for agricultural and horticultural programming, classes, workshops, and events. Performed both remotely and in the usual office environment, the position includes frequent field trips to locations throughout the county. The Cooperative Extension Assistant (Agriculture Program Coordinator) works independently as well as in coordination with other agencies with a focus on education and training for novice, as well as experienced, individuals within the agricultural/horticultural environment. This position develops programming for experiential events with a focus on the needs of the region’s small and beginning farmers. Duties range from event management, presentation, and curriculum creation to website and promotional development as well as handling technical needs from online registration and venue identification to other tasks necessary to provide an effective learning experience.
The ideal candidate has 2-5 years of experience developing educational events and curriculums for the agriculture community as well as familiarity with current technologies like Zoom and basic office software suites, web page development tools, e-mail list serves and calendars, networking protocols, digital equipment, and presentation software. A Bachelor’s degree in biological, natural or agricultural sciences preferred. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends. A current driver's license is required.
This is a permanent, three-quarter (3/4) time position.
About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources web page to learn more. For further information on Snohomish County Extension’s programs please go to www.snohomish.wsu.edu.
About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career.
Benefits
Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include prorated:
- Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
- Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
- Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing two weeks of vacation a year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
- Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
- Other benefits include wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, and more.
- Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
- Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Career development training.
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide technical services as part of a staff team that can include assistance with computer software programs, audio visual equipment, web pages, video and satellite conferencing and presentation software.
- Provide direct services to the public in support of an Extension program that can include diagnosis of plant and pest problems, education and training on agriculture, nursery and forestry issues, and coordination of youth events.
- Coordinate logistics for educational events that can include registration, venue arrangements, technology support, meals and other tasks necessary to provide a high quality public service.
- Convene staff, interagency and regional meetings as needed to coordinate activities in the team work plan.
- Coordinate promotion of educational programs through web pages, video presentation, e-mail and press lists.
- Understand and carryout the policies of Snohomish County and WSU so that the public receives quality services in a safe environment.
STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES
- Performs related duties as required.
Two (2) years of experience in working as part of a team developing educational programs or public services. Demonstratable experience using computer technologies including office software suites, web page development tools, e-mail list serves and calendars, networking protocols, digital cameras and projectors and presentation software. A Bachelor’s degree in biological, natural or agricultural sciences preferred. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid Washington State Drivers License is required. Ability to acquire a Public Pest Control Consultant License within one (1) year if required in job assignment may be required in some positions. Ability to pass a Washington State Patrol Criminal History Background Check.
Knowledge of:
- computers, projectors, cameras and other digital equipment
- computer networks and internet resources
- education and teaching techniques
- natural resources, eco-systems and agriculture
Ability to:
- operate and maintain computers and digital equipment
- design and maintain web pages
- teach and demonstrate in a class environment
- work effectively in a team environment
- communicate effectively orally, in writing and over the Internet
- coordinate and organize meetings, workshops and events
- follow diagnostic protocols to diagnose plant and pest problems
- conduct and interpret research in reference books and on the Internet related to natural resources, eco-systems and agriculture
- work with youth, adults and people from diverse cultures
SUPERVISION
Employees in this class report to the WSU Extension Director, Educator or administrative superior as assigned. The employee is part of one or more staff programmatic teams. The employee exercises own initiative in setting up educational events and seeking answers to technical questions from the public and staff. The work is performed with considerable independence with periodic reports made to team and supervisor on the status of projects.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Usual office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the County. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
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