Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)

Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)
University of Illinois Extension

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed toimprove the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across thenation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminateknowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of expertsand leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science tohigher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnershipsthat extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extensionprovides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer,and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extensionhas operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens ofIllinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programmingaround the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College ofACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign.

The Extension Specialist,Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture) serves as a regular, fulltime, 12 month academic professional with primary responsibility for thedevelopment, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting themission of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension Specialists supportone of the four core Extension program areas and within that program area mayfocus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives: Community,Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives will beconsistent with national and statewide initiatives considered of significantimportance to residents of the state of Illinois.

This position will have appliedresearch and outreach responsibilities for the commercial production andmanagement of field crops grown or potentially grown in the Extension Unit andstate. For the purposes of program delivery, the geographic area is both to theUnit and statewide.

This position will be expected tocollaborate closely with campus-based specialists and other faculty and othermembers of the Commercial Ag team in the planning and implementation ofresearch projects with high local relevance to stakeholders. As necessary, theCommercial Agriculture Specialist will be expected to cooperate with campusfaculty in the conducting of pest surveys and the dissemination of thesefindings to clientele. This position will oversee selected CommercialAgricultural programming will include, but not limited to fruits, vegetables,specialty crops and other horticultural crops. The position will have statewideduties to meet the needs of clientele within the state of Illinois.

One full time position is available.
Location: Urbana-Champaign Campus or negotiable Extension Unit location.
In state hybrid remote work arrangements are available.
(There is flexibility for this position to be housed in an office in one of the 27 Extension Units throughout Illinois instead of on campus in Urbana, IL. See Extension website at for details on office locations.)

This is a security-sensitiveposition. Comprehensive backgroundchecks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, aCANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to all Illinois citizens utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.)
• Serve as a content expert for educational efforts within specialty crops, (fruits and vegetables) application for commercial agriculture.

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the Director of Extension.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead teams as appropriate for systematically carrying out the deliverables of the program.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.

Scholarship

• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives.
• Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs in order to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Other Information

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.

Physical Demands
To perform the functions of this position, the employee willbe required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible forsecuring personal transportation. A valid driver's license ispreferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/orweekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather,exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing thefunctions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental andphysical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independentlytraveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move,transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40)pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing andpulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of thisposition (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of theposition) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural,Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting [email protected].

Administrative and Programmatic Relationship
The Extension Specialist isadministratively and programmatically responsible to the Assistant Dean,Agriculture and Agribusiness.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in in a relevant discipline from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors include, but are not limited to: field crop production, or crop management emphasis; field crop protection such as weed science, plant pathology, or entomology. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may beconsidered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.

Experience:

• Experience with educational programs.
• At minimum, must be able to earn or maintain active Certified Crop Advisor certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• PhD.

Experience:

• Experience within crop sciences, including management of crops, soils, pests, and plant nutrients.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings related to agricultural education programs.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Ability to build and maintain networks.

AppointmentInformation
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for workauthorization. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenureacademic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon aspossible after the closing date. The previouslydetermined salary range for this position was $73,000 to $90,000. We strive toprovide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity,candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. Thefinal salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving theseelements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the topof the full range for this position.

ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information
Applications must bereceived by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 1, 2026 . Apply for this positionusing the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, andthe names and contact information for three professional references. Resumedates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, ata minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of yourundergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must benoted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through will not be considered.

For further information about this specificposition, please contact Amanda Taylor at [email protected]. For questions regarding the applicationprocess, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1035471
Job Category : Off-Campus
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