Specialty Crops Program Educator I - Jefferson City - Lincoln University of Missouri

Purpose:

The successful candidate will assist the Specialty Crops state Extension Specialist with research-based program implementation for small-scale, socially disadvantaged communities, farmers and producers to help maintain the Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory and Finca EcoFarm located on campus and the Finca Native Fruit Plot at Busby Farm and serve as the acting Lincoln University Farmers Market Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

Farmers Market Functions

• Develop a plan of work and activity plan for the Farmers Market.
• Manage the Farmers Market every Saturday year-round.
• Manage social media platforms.
• Respond to messages, posting regularly, tracking customer attendance during the Saturday markets.
• Set up and tear down the Saturday Market with the assistance of a part time casual employee, a student, or volunteer.
• The program educator assistant will work directly with vendors to accommodate their needs and to ensure compliance with state and local regulations, as well as foster a friendly and open environment for customers.

Farm Assistant functions

• Mowing, weed eating, and general maintenance of the grounds under the Specialty Crops Program.
• Clean and set up facilities for functions scheduled at the Specialty Crops Program facilities.
• Operate farm equipment and assist farm assistant and other specialty crops program staff as needed.
• Coordinate with the State Extension Specialist regarding Specialty Crops Program events and activities.
• Other duties as assigned. This job requires working on weekends and evenings.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent social skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time-management, multi-tasking, attention to details and organizational skills.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, proficient in other Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle in working condition.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated on career advancement.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• Experience managing farmers markets for six months or longer
• Experience working with the public for one year or longer.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Training on Farmers Market Management and Food Safety.

Physical Demands:

• Must be comfortable working outdoors and in all weather conditions and temperatures.
• The applicant should express if special accommodations are needed.
• Must be comfortable with heavy lifting (at least 50 lbs.)

This is a 12-month fixed term position, effective from the date of employment. Renewal on an annual basis is contingent upon job performance and funding availability.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.