Program Associate - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Natural Resources

Working Title: Program Associate - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Natural Resources

Appointment: Full-time, Job Code 8313PD, Ed Pro 3-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt, Civil Service

Salary: $28-33/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: St. Paul campus; Hybrid work option available

Apply By: November 21, 2025

About the Position

The University is looking to fill a new Program Associate role that will engage in work that will complement programs across the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR). The ideal candidate will have skills and experience in engaging program participants in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources; developing programmatic resources; maintaining networks; and teaching and facilitating educational programs. The Program Associate will have responsibility for responding to local needs with Extension programming and resources, providing technical assistance and information both internally and externally in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources, and handling special projects benefiting educators and teams across the Department. This position will work on the St. Paul campus and also provide programmatic coverage in counties or on program teams. This position requires onsite work on the St. Paul campus and some combination of onsite and hybrid work with designated office locations in counties, with the schedule determined by Departmental needs.

Job duties include but are not limited to and may change as determined by the supervisor:

Program and Resource Development and Leadership- 50%

• Partner with ANR Extension colleagues to develop, implement, and evaluate agricultural, horticultural, and natural resource educational programs based on Department needs and expectations, ensuring their accessibility for all.
• Coordinate with program teams to develop and amplify resources across a wide range of timely and relevant agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources education content.
• Coordinate with program teams to identify, curate, and provide research-based resources in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources.
• Identify and coordinate subject matter experts to develop tool kits and other resources for non-credit education programs, consulting with Extension Learning Technologies (ELT) when appropriate.
• Provide relevant education and support for agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources, as assigned, utilizing numerous delivery methods.
• Maintain effective partnerships across the Department, Extension, and the University, and within counties and regions as assigned, furthering the delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Adapt Extension programs and resources for audiences with a range of knowledge, background, and cultures.

Technical Assistance in Ag, Hort & Natural Resources - 25%

• Provide practical, hands-on support, guidance, and expertise, using research-based knowledge to help individuals, communities, farmers, agencies, and other audiences address specific technical problems, adopt new technologies, improve practices, and enhance quality or production in agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources.
• Build Department capacity for providing technical assistance through curating and developing resources for use by program teams.
• Provide leadership for daily operations of the statewide technical assistance line (Farm Information Line - FIL), including staffing FIL, training others, tracking, reporting, and providing feedback for improvement.

Program Reporting and Communication - 15%

• Communicate effectively and positively with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders about the private and public value of programs, using a variety of platforms, including video, social media, and print media.
• Adapt and implement programmatic communication plans that engage stakeholders and program participants.
• Serve as a liaison between Extension communications and Department program teams to ensure website content is accurate and accessible.
• Collect program evaluation data and prepare and share reports and presentations to demonstrate the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of agricultural, horticultural, and natural resource Extension work.
• Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and the Department in a positive and collaborative way.

Program Operations - 10%

• Manage and monitor program compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Manage processes for assigned Departmental programming projects.
• Partner with ANR Extension colleagues to ensure that Department programs and facilities are accessible to new and/or underserved audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least four years of related experience, or a combination of education and related work experience to equal at least eight (8) years.
• Work experience and/or knowledge in agriculture, horticulture or natural resources (i.e., agronomy, plant or animal science, agriculture or environmental education, agriculture communication and marketing).
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience working constructively with people from different backgrounds, demographics, and educational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to frequently changing work assignments and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and provide technical assistance in agriculture, horticulture, and/or natural resources in response to public inquiries by conducting research on topics, finding and synthesizing Extension resources, and providing answers in a timely manner.
• Skilled in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in an agriculture, horticulture, or natural resources related discipline
• Experience developing and implementing informal education programs in agriculture, horticulture, or natural resources.
• Experience using technology for communication, information finding, program delivery, and reporting.
• Experience using distance technologies and social media to market and conduct educational programming.
• Ability to engage in web-based communication, education, and training.
• Ability to articulate the public value of educational programming in agriculture, horticulture, or natural resources.
• Demonstrated ability to perform tasks in a changing environment, respond to work in a project-oriented way, and quickly adapt to changing areas of focus and responsibilities.
• Previous experience in Extension or another educationally related position.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance.
• This position may work in multiple and varying communities and locations. Must be flexible to travel to locations as needed with notice. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to work regularly at dedicated/assigned Extension offices.
• When working outside of the assigned office location, must have reliable internet, and must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 20 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely, as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About Extension and ANR

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/

We work with purpose to deliver research-based programming that improves lives, environments and the communities in which we live and work. Our values are Engagement - We work alongside colleagues, partners, volunteers and stakeholders to define priorities and develop enduring solutions. Inclusion - We prioritize access and including all. Only by engaging people with a variety of perspectives, lived experiences and ways of knowing can we solve our most complex and pressing problems. Discovery - We foster curiosity and integrate research into the real world to yield innovative and practical solutions. Integrity - We build trust by being reliable, sharing unbiased research and being good stewards of the investments in Extension. Growth - We encourage lifelong professional and personal growth for our team members through technical learning, leadership development, and career opportunities. Balance - We emphasize flexibility so employees can adapt to new circumstances and manage demands across professional, personal, and community life.

Pay Range: $28 - $33; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.