Title: Jr/Asst Extension Agent, Agricultural Finance
Position Number: 84045
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Location: Hawai‘i County
Date Posted: July 19, 2023
Closing Date: August 18, 2023
Salary Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure Track
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Funding: General

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop an extension program in financing climate-smart agricultural production and related value-added enterprises that support a circular economy in the state of Hawai‘i by identifying issues and implementing extension methods and techniques in collaboration and partnership with private, non-profit, state agency, and public stakeholders.
• Serve as liaison between industry members and organizations, government agencies, private companies/individuals, and producers.
• Emphasis will include (but is not limited to) developing sustainable business plans and risk strategies; evaluating new investment opportunities including in the bioeconomy and circular economy; implementing climate-smart practices and supply chains ; evaluating labor needs; identifying workforce training needs; planning for family farm succession; and communicating the impact of new federal and state rules and regulations on farm management (including subsidies, available benefits, and emerging environmental and climate-smart supply chain and markets).
• Address statewide problems in tandem with the Agricultural Economics Agent and other extension agents, extension specialists, researchers, industry organizations, and commercial farm and food businesses (e.g., the Hawaii Climate-Smart Commodities Team).
• Evaluate various financial decision-aid tools for applicability to evaluating the financing of new agricultural opportunities (such as climate-smart opportunities, alternative crops or management options, whole farm system, or farmland diversification), or new technologies (such as new equipment or processing methods).
• Provide guidance to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural entrepreneurs with government loan and support programs and support state agencies, when asked, with their annual reports on the financial state of the farm sector.
• Provide information to diverse producers using various means such as workshops, field days, and training development materials, presentations, and exhibits.
• Conduct scholarly activities on the county, state, and national levels. Publish scholarly information that addresses farm and industry needs through appropriate media methods such as hard copy publications; web-based publications, social media and other communication and media alternatives.
• Seek and obtain external funding to support implementation of educational programs.
• Participate in county, department, college, and university service and governance.
• Work with stakeholders which might involve attending meetings that occur after normal working hours and/or on weekends at off-site locations.

Minimum Qualifications for Junior Extension Agent (A2):

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in Agricultural Economics or Agricultural Finance, or a closely related field.
• Ability to apply Extension teaching methods.
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner.
• Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai‘i Driver’s License (Class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.

Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Extension Agent (A3):

• Master’s degree from a college of university of recognized standing with major work in Agricultural Finance or Agricultural Economics, or a closely related field, or, in addition to the Bachelor’s degree, 30 credit hours of post-baccalaureate academic work in a field appropriate to the position.
• At least 3 years of experience in Cooperative Extension or equivalent in closely related fields.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and to assume responsibility for developing an Extension program.
• Ability to work harmoniously with other agents in an integrated Extension system, and with related agencies.
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner.
• Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai‘i Driver’s License (Class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Proven ability to work effectively with organizations and government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using traditional and modern educational methods and tools.
• Ability to use electronic technology (e.g. computer-word processing, database management; desktop publishing, web meetings, social networking platforms, etc.).
• Experience working with farmers and/or food businesses.
• Experience working in tropical or sub-tropical farm systems.
• Experience with grant writing and obtaining additional sources of programmatic support.
• Ability to work effectively with low income, limited resources and underserved populations.
• Experience working in tropical or sub-tropical agricultural systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in a language of one or more populations that the position serves.

To Apply:
Submit the following online through NeoGov (incomplete applications will not be considered): 1) Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statements of extension and research experience and interests, 4) a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, the classroom, and/or services, 5) names and contact information for at least three professional references, and 6) official transcripts (copies accepted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

CTAHR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:
We believe that inclusiveness and excellence are interdependent. Our local and global communities are best served by ensuring all populations are represented equitably throughout CTAHR. We strive to cultivate an environment that supports equitable opportunities for every member of CTAHR to achieve individual and common goals. We will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by: (1) promoting the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff, especially from groups that have been underrepresented or marginalized; (2) creating equal opportunities for all members of CTAHR to participate in decision-making processes and scholarly and professional development; and (3) fostering an inclusive culture where every CTAHR member feels respected and valued.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Dr. Catherine Chan; chanhalb@hawaii.edu; (808) 956-2626

EEO/AA, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran.

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