Extension Professional II (Solomon, AZ)

The individual hired for this position will primarily teach inmates, through curriculum and hands-on training, livestock production and ranch management at the Fort Grant Prison and perform other Cooperative Extension Livestock Program activities as needed.

This position requires travel from Solomon, AZ to Safford, AZ.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver educational sessions and provide hands-on instruction to inmates on ranch management and operations, focusing on topics like bovine anatomy, nutrition, genetics, herd management, artificial insemination, and calving.
• Assist in guiding inmates through the practical aspects of ranch operations, including natural resource management, financial planning, infrastructure upkeep, and sustainability methods.
• Deliver educational sessions to inmates on natural resources specifically on water storage tanks, centered around the importance and management; such as providing drinking water to cattle, corral maintenance, measuring range conditions, etc.
• Perform all aspects of ranch operations in regards to livestock management, such as processing cattle and ensuring their safety, health, and wellbeing. This includes, but is not limited to, vaccinating, branding, weaning, etc.
• Assist in creating a model for how modern ranching should be conducted in Arizona.
• Assist in creating a ranching program at the prison that serves as a living model for modern, sustainable ranching in Arizona.
• Assist in creating best practices in cattle production, land stewardship, and resource management that can be seen, measured, and shared with other ranchers throughout Arizona.
• Perform other work as needed in various locations in Southern Arizona to help positively impact beef production.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of common cattle illnesses, nutritional needs, and typical behavioral patterns to ensure proper animal care and early detection of health issues.
• Knowledge of core principles of ranch management and operations, including water system management, range condition monitoring, forage use, and infrastructure improvements to support sustainable grazing practices.
• Skilled in standard livestock husbandry procedures, including branding, castrating, dehorning, vaccinating, and the ability to move and manage cattle using low-stress, humane methods.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maneuver a variety of trailers, including flatbed trailers, enclosed box trailers, and livestock trailers, under varying road and ranch conditions.
• Ability to understand, adhere to, and enforce all Arizona Department of Corrections rules and procedures while supervising and working alongside incarcerated individuals in a secure environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must
  be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience working with ranch and cattle/livestock management and operations.
• Previous training and/or teaching experience.