Extension Specialist, Small Acreage Management Emphasis

The Peaks and Plains Region stretches east to west from the Kansas and Nebraska state lines to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and north to south from Wyoming to the New Mexico border. The area consists of wheat, corn, sunflower, dry edible bean, sugar beet, potato, and hay production. Corn and forage production support a large livestock industry that is also a major economic influence with numerous cow/calf and large confined animal feeding operations (beef and pork) in the region. Development of renewable energy is a growing industry with corn ethanol and wind energy production currently in place. Rangeland for grazing, forests livestock production, primarily beef, is widespread. This position places an emphasis on pastures, crops, forest and rangeland owned by small acreage landowners. Most small acreages (less than 40 acres) are maintained as a lifestyle choice rather than managed to produce maximum income from agricultural sales. Resource management of these acreages is crucial.This position will provide primary leadership in small acreage management, coordination, communication and facilitation between and among Colorado State University Extension, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Conservation Districts, and external partners in the Peaks and Plains Region. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, building upon existing working relationships among these agencies and other appropriate organizations while striving to minimize the duplication of educational efforts in small acreage and forest and range management.The individual in this position will work in a team environment with Extension, NRCS, and Conservation District professionals. The individual works under the supervision and guidance of the Peaks and Plains Regional Extension Director, with oversight provided by the NRCS Area Conservationist.Extension specialists independently prepare an annual plan of work and prepare for, implement, evaluate and report outcomes associated with their program responsibilities. They choose who to work with, identify locations, what resources/curriculum to use, which learning/teaching strategies will meet learner needs, cost recovery and how to engage volunteers and partners. They are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with county, school and community partners. They independently manage their time; scheduling programming to meet learner and partner availability and preferences. This position is responsible for approximately a $12,000 budget, not including any grant dollars they may seek and receive.This position works under the general supervision of the Peaks and Plains Regional Director who they may consult with if questions arise. This position also has oversight by the NRCS Area Conservationist. APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: All materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Tuesday March 14, 2017. Please submit the following by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSTION.ResumeCover letterTranscripts of college(s) course work showing degrees conferred.  Please remove all references to birth date or social security number prior to submission. Only one document upload is allowed, no larger than 9 megabytes. Please convert all transcript pages into one PDF File to upload.Special Required Documentation:Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all the “Required” and “Preferred” criteria listed in the Vacancy Announcement. Please respond to each bullet point separately. Only one document upload is allowed, no larger than 9 megabytes. Please convert your Statement pages into one PDF file. For questions regarding the application process, contact https://jobs.colostate.edu/help. For questions regarding the job vacancy and responsibilities please contact William Nobles, 719-545-1845 or email william.nobles@colostate.edu.