Job Description

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms)

University of Illinois Extension

WHO
WE ARE
As part
of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only
to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put
learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of
residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the
university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff
dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois
Extension, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/who-we-are.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES
We will invest in our employees,
our most important resource, by providing professional development and training
that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to
provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role.
Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and
an environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

JOB PURPOSE
The Extension Educator serves as a
full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the
development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the
mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis is required from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant majors could include, but are not limited to, agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, or weed science. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be
  considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Informal and/or formal teaching experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience with agriculture.
• Work experiences with agriculture research and/or demonstration.
• Ability to organize, manage, and conduct educational activities for adult audiences.
• Knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license.

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION:
One full-time position is
available.
Location: Unit 26 – Franklin, Jackson,
Perry, Randolph and Williamson Counties
(Position will be housed in Perry
or Jackson County)
Additional positions may become
available in other locations.
This is a security-sensitive
position. Comprehensive background
checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a
CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

EXAMPLES OF
THE WORK

• Focus on Local Food Systems within community-based production settings.
• Collaborate with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators.
• Build networks among groups of those focused on local food production for emerging audiences.
• Provide research-based information and educational programs for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders.

• Develop and deliver programs in:

1. Fruit and vegetable production
2. Food marketing initiatives
3. Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
4. School and community gardens
5. Integrated pest management
6. Building networks and increasing collaboration with agriculture stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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

JOB 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 audiences 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.)

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.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill relevant grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other items relevant to the operation.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators and Extension Council Members.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• 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/Working Conditions
When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of
environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather,
exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position,
the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including 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 and pulling movements.

Work Schedule, Travel, Or Other Job Expectations
To perform the functions of this position, the employee will
be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the
communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one
location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work
will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Administrative Relationship
The Extension Educator is
administratively responsible to the County Director.

Programmatic Relationship
The Extension Educator is
programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of
programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.

Appointment
Information
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work
authorization. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure
academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as
possible after the closing date. The previously
determined salary range for this position was $59,000 to $82,000. We strive to
provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity,
candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The
final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these
elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top
of the full range for this position.

Application
Procedures & Deadline Information

• Applications must be
  received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 7, 2026 Apply for this position
  using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.
• Please upload a resume, cover letter, and
  the names and contact information for three professional references.
• Resume
  dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at
  a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your
  undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be
  noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date.
• Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information about this specific
position, please contact Doug Harlan at dharlan@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application
process, 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 accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID 1037353
Job Category Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu