Job Description

PAY GRADE: Grade: 31E (Specialist I) / 30E (Agent II)

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Research and Education Center located in Georgetown, Delaware, is the southernmost Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Center’s multi-disciplined staff consists of faculty, professionals, support staff, and miscellaneous wage employees (seasonal). The Center is responsible for conducting Cooperative Extension and Research programs in the areas of agronomic and vegetable crop production; farm and youth safety; 4-H/youth at risk; health and well-being; poultry research and diagnostic programs; Master Gardener educational programs; ornamental horticulture; water quality and nutrient management; irrigation/water management; expanded food and nutrition programs; as well as economic and community development. These programs are aimed at improving the quality of life through the transfer of research-based information to the consumer.

At the direction of the Ag Program Leader, the Extension Agricultural Engineer will provide statewide leadership and/or support in irrigation and precision agriculture programming for crop production. This position focuses on grower education, applied research, technology evaluation, and collaboration with extension, industry, and regulatory partners to improve irrigation efficiency, water management, and precision decision-making for Delaware growers. The Agricultural Engineer will develop and disseminate research-based recommendations, lead irrigation-related extension initiatives, and support the adoption of appropriate precision agriculture technologies by the farming community.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (Applicable to both levels)

• Partner with County Agricultural Extension Agents, Faculty Specialists, and others to expand and strengthen the University of Delaware’s agricultural irrigation extension program.
• Collaborate with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel to evaluate irrigation equipment, systems, and management practices across Delaware and support the continued improvement of NRCS irrigation programs, including standards refinement and delivery of training sessions.
• Conduct educational programs for vegetable producers, field crop farmers, processors, and agricultural supply personnel in irrigation management, new precision technologies, and farm equipment modifications.
• Provide hands-on technical assistance and decision-support guidance to growers and industry stakeholders.
• Establish a high-impact agricultural irrigation program built upon strong relationships with agricultural producers and industry contacts to develop projects that deliver practical, solutions-driven approaches of value and relevance to Delaware growers.
• Maintain a basic understanding of tillage, planting, application, and harvest equipment to advise researchers and farmers on the selection, calibration, and maintenance of modern farm equipment.
• Collaborate with specialists to develop tools, recommendations, and decision-support systems that assist farmers with precision agriculture and irrigation management decisions.
• Maintain technical competency in precision agriculture technology (e.g., variable-rate application systems, GPS-guided autosteer, UAV imagery, sensor technologies).
• Responsible for implementation of Program Plan and reporting impacts within Extension’s Planning and Reporting System (PEARS).
• Collaborate with regional extension, research institutions, industry partners, and regulatory agencies to perform applied research and deliver education in precision agriculture.
• Participate in the development of competitive research proposals and external funding opportunities to support irrigation and precision agriculture programming.
• Supervise student employees and/or research team members, as appropriate.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Required for consideration at either level):

• Degree in agricultural engineering, biological resources engineering, biosystems engineering, agronomy, crop science, precision agriculture, or related field.
• Experience with sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, water management, and agricultural engineering principles.
• Understanding of precision agriculture technologies and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with growers, extension personnel, researchers, and industry partners.
• Documented written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with data loggers, computer controls, and scientific sensors related to irrigation management preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BY LEVEL:

Extension Agent II (Grade 30E):

• Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years, or Master’s degree plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on research proposals and secure external funding.
• Experience supervising student employees preferred.

Extension Specialist I (Grade 31E):

• Master’s degree plus four (4) years of experience, or Doctorate (preferred) plus two (2) years of experience in Extension teaching, research, or related field.
• Experience with GIS and CAD software preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading research initiatives and securing external grant funding.
• Prior supervisory experience of research team staff preferred.
• Grantsmanship experience preferred.