Job Summary:

The Rockdale Extension Service provides knowledge to Georgia and Rockdale citizens in order to improve their quality of life; share training, research, and publications; and extend the University of Georgia (UGA) resources by linking the expertise of our faculty to families, businesses, and communities. Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) engages residents throughout the year in active programs and events focusing on topics such as; agri­ business, horticulture, insects & diseases, livestock, farm management, production, and soil conservation. The Program Assistant will work with the ANR Extension Agent to coordinate the delivery of Extension ANR programs and services by providing support through basic programming to Rockdale County citizens in a variety of community settings. The Program Assistant will serve as the back-up for guiding citizens through ANR related resources and services.

Essential Functions:

Assist Rockdale County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent develop and deliver objective and research­ based educational programs in one of the specialty areas below to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Assist the ANR Agent with correspondence, marketing, registration, and evaluation tools to be used with educational programs.

Plan and deliver basic educational programs through workshops, seminars, conferences, media, one-on-one visits, field trips, tours, and other methods to the citizens of Rockdale County under the direction of the ANR agent.

Maintain basic knowledge of current research information in the specialty areas.

Provide administrative support by responding to citizen email, telephone calls, and walk-in inquiries regarding basic food safety, food storage, recipe preparation, basic finance, basic radon testing procedures and other ANR related information.

Reporting program data into relevant databases.

Assist in helping with collaborative/office-wide events and programs as well as 4-H youth programs when needed.

Work closely with producers, agri-business, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities.

Cooperate with other county departments, organizations and agencies as needed to strengthen or extend ANR programs.

Collaborate with other staff for planning, implementing and evaluating 4-H and youth education programs. Specialty Areas:

Horticulture, Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science

Additional Duties:

The employee in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Skills in using modern office equipment.

Skills in using Microsoft Office; Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.

Skill in oral and written communication; ability to perform Public Speaking and Presentation skills. Ability to effectively communicate with youth and adults.

Ability to use media in presentations of the program.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, students, and stakeholders. Knowledge of commercial agriculture experience preferred.

Ability to recruit, select, train and manage volunteers.

Ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach and evaluate educational information programs. Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management.

Working/Physical Conditions:

The work is performed in an on-site office environment, but will also require off-site instruction within the community. Employee must be able to adapt to different work environments, including behind a desk, teaching in front of a group, working outside at a booth, etc.

Employee will also work some nights and weekends, depending on what and when educational programs are scheduled. Employees must travel to different locations in the community for outreach programs and transport all items needed for that program, which may include lifting heavy boxes or equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture & Natural Sciences or related field;

OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) with one (1) to three (3) years of related experience;

OR the equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.

Valid Georgia driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Public Speaking Experience and Teaching Experience