Extension Specialist - Beef Cattle

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Extension Specialist – Beef Cattle

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

Fort Valley State University seeks a dynamic, knowledgeable, and highly motivated Extension Specialist in Beef Cattle to support and enhance the University's Cooperative Extension Program. This position will focus on providing educational leadership, technical assistance, and research-based knowledge to Georgia's beef cattle producers, Extension agents, and stakeholders. The Extension Specialist will collaborate with faculty, county agents, producers, and agricultural organizations to address issues related to beef cattle production, herd health, nutrition, genetics, and sustainable livestock management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive, research-based Extension programming focused on beef cattle production, health, nutrition, breeding, and management.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to county Extension agents and stakeholders through training sessions, field days, workshops, on-farm demonstrations, and educational materials.
• Collaborate with FVSU researchers, state and federal agencies, commodity groups, and industry partners to identify priority issues and develop responsive programs.
• Assist in writing and securing grants and external funding to support Extension programming.
• Develop educational materials including fact sheets, newsletters, bulletins, videos, and online content.
• Support undergraduate and graduate education through guest lectures and student mentoring as appropriate within Extension policies.
• Stay abreast of current trends, emerging issues, and research developments in beef cattle production.
• Participate in appropriate professional development and professional organizations.
• Maintain regular reporting and documentation of activities and program impacts in accordance with university and USDA-NIFA guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• M.S. in Animal Science, Livestock Management (emphasis on beef cattle), or a closely related field.
• Experience in beef cattle production and/or Extension or outreach programming.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel within Georgia and occasionally out of state.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• PhD. in Animal Science or a closely related field with specialization in beef cattle.
• Experience working with small farmers.
• Record of scholarly publications, grant writing, and program evaluation.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.