NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY PROJECT COORDINATOR UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN DISCOVERY FARMS PROGRAM Position Description WORKING TITLE: Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator (100%) OFFICIAL TITLE: Outreach Specialist title series (title prefix to be determined) OFFICE LOCATION: Department of Soil Science, 263 Soils Building, 1525 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-­‐1299 or a location in Janesville, WI with statewide position duties, especially in the southern portion of the state. POSITION PURPOSE: The UW -­‐ Discovery Farms Program develops on-­‐farm and related research to determine the economic and environmental effects of agricultural practices on a diverse group of Wisconsin farms. This position is part of a multi-­‐
year, grant-­‐funded project designed to help farmers evaluate the relative environmental and economic efficiency of their nitrogen management practices for corn production and collecting on-­‐farm agronomic data for water quality research studies. Additional information about nitrogen use efficiency practices can be found at http://go.wisc.edu/1467hc As an academic staff member of the University of Wisconsin-­‐Extension, Cooperative Extension, employed with the UW -­‐ Discovery Farms Program, the Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator will work directly with the UW – Discovery Farms Co-­‐Directors and other program staff members to accomplish the two-­‐fold purpose of the position, namely research and delivering educational information and materials to agricultural producers, industry personnel, agency personnel, and the general public. PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: − Educate farmers, crop consultants, and policy makers on concepts of nitrogen use efficiency − Coordinate nitrogen use efficiency assessments performed by Discovery Farms staff throughout Wisconsin − Gather and organize data collected from nitrogen use efficiency assessments performed throughout Wisconsin to calculate and compare nitrogen use efficiency on within and among farming systems − Set up trial areas for zero nitrogen application test area and collect soil and tissue samples, ensuring quality control of recordkeeping and sampling − Assist in collection of on-­‐farm agronomic and water quality data for concurrent water quality research studies − Assist with collection of soil health indicators for soil health assessment − Assist crop consultants in recordkeeping, setting up trial areas, and soil or tissue sample collection, ensuring quality control of recordkeeping and sampling − Assist in the development an online farmer network with nitrogen use efficiency results, water quality information, and a forum environment for information exchange among participants − Organize and facilitate Discovery Farms-­‐led meetings and educational events on nitrogen use efficiency assessments − Collaborate with Discovery Farms staff to develop educational materials for various audiences −Create publications designed for farmer use including guidelines for assessing nitrogen use efficiency in Wisconsin based on results from the evaluations − Communicate updates regularly and appropriately, including with Discovery Farms staff and partners − Create articles and postings on nitrogen use efficiency project for newsletters and social media efforts − Develop cooperative relationships with farmer participants in soil health assessments and online farmer network PVL# C17-­‐014 Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator (100%) – page 1 August 2016 − Develop trust-­‐based and cooperative relationships and coordinate work with Discovery Farms partners including University personnel, state and federal agency personnel, and others − Be responsive to evolving position, program, office and organizational needs; perform adjusted or additional duties as requested − Reach and engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and do not discriminate to ensure full access to programs, facilities and educational services WORKING CONDITIONS: − Travel to meetings, to farms to collect information and to meet with farmers, likely 2 -­‐ 3 days a week, which may include some evening or weekend travel − Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet positions responsibilities and essential job functions ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIPS: The Discovery Farms Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator is accountable to the Discovery Farms Co-­‐Directors for programmatic and administrative matters. This position works primarily with two program areas: the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension (ANRE) and the Community, Natural Resources, and Economic Development (CNRED). TO BE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: − Bachelors degree in agronomy or soil science; other related agricultural degrees will be considered with proven coursework or experience in crop production and/or nutrient management − Demonstrated computer literacy adequate to develop presentation graphics, visuals and supporting materials − Previous experience with data analysis using Microsoft Excel − Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to create and present information in an effective and engaging fashion − Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity BEST QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MAY ALSO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: − Masters degree in agronomy or soil science; other related agricultural degrees will be considered with proven coursework or experience in crop production and/or nutrient management − Experience and background in agriculture − Knowledge of nitrogen cycle and nitrogen use in crop production − Experience with the development of nutrient management plans for crop production; Certified Crop Advisor certification − Strong interpersonal skills in a team setting and on an individual basis − Ability to plan collaboratively and execute independently; ability to manage work responsibilities with flexibility − Strong problem-­‐solving skills; ability to effectively manage conflicts − Successful volunteer or paid experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences − Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining professional work environments − Ability to organize work and fulfill position responsibilities productively with indirect supervision in a highly visible public sector environment TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: The time period for this position as part of a multi-­‐year, grant-­‐funded project is September 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018. This position will be appointed one year at a time as a fixed-­‐term terminal academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-­‐Extension’s division of Cooperative Extension. Reappointment to this position after the initial PVL# C17-­‐014 Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator (100%) – page 2 August 2016 term is dependent upon availability of funding and performance. Under University of Wisconsin-­‐Extension 10.01 (1), fixed term terminal academic staff appointments are for a definite period of time as specified in the appointment letter and do not carry a guarantee of employment beyond the stated term, regardless of how many times an employment contract is offered to the employee. Fixed term terminal appointments are not subject to the notice periods in University of Wisconsin System 10.05 and University of Wisconsin-­‐Extension Chapter 10.07. POSITION CLARIFICATION: This position is subject to University of Wisconsin-­‐System, University of Wisconsin Extension and Cooperative Extension human resource policies. This position description is not intended to be comprehensive in nature given the changes in primary duties/essential job functions and position expectations that can occur over time in response to emerging and assessed community, program and organizational needs. Changes to this position description are subject to the approval of the Cooperative Extension Human Resource Development Office and those to whom the position is accountable. POSITION BENEFITS AND SALARY: State of Wisconsin benefits (https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/), including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances. Starting salary range commensurate with minimum and preferred qualifications: $48,000 -­‐ $52,000. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: As an affirmative action employer, University of Wisconsin -­‐Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. University of Wisconsin -­‐Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, or identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-­‐program related conviction record. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request. Please call 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance. Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to: University of Wisconsin-­‐Extension Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Room 501, 432 N. Lake Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608.262.0277 office; 608.890.0259 fax. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A criminal background check will be conducted prior to employment. Completed consent forms will be requested at the time of final interviews. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position. Date Posted: 08/12/2016 Closing Date: 09/13/2016 PVL# C17-­‐014 Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Coordinator (100%) – page 3 August 2016