Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to Public

Position Status: Full-time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0095/301/09

Salary Range:  $55,951 - $66,671

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Project Specialist for Urban Agriculture reports to the Assistant Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE), which is one of the Landgrant Centers of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The Project Specialist designs, implements, and coordinates research, community outreach, and education initiatives that advance knowledge, technological innovation, and operational efficiency to improve the UDC Urban Food Hubs and other Urban Agriculture initiatives in the District of Columbia. Priority will be given to applicants with experience in Hydroponics, Aquaponics, and nutrient management. The Project Specialist carries out day-to-day activities in close collaboration with the Assistant Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education and the Associate Dean of Landgrant Programs to ensure alignment of all Urban Agriculture initiatives with the strategic objectives of CAUSES. The incumbent must be a team player, work effectively and efficiently with diverse internal and external constituencies, perform all duties with a high degree of independence and initiative, communicate effectively, work well under pressure of deadlines and be familiar (or familiarize themselves) with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of CAUSES, UDC, and program sponsors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identifies research in Urban Agriculture that prioritizes high value and nutritious ethnic crops. Tests innovative food production methods that foster regional, national, and international recognition.
2. Conducts community outreach and food systems education.
3. Uses a variety of needs assessment techniques to identify local needs and ensure cultural relevancy and appropriateness of urban agriculture programs and initiatives.
4. Uses a variety of delivery modes to provide educational programs supported by research and evidence based results from the urban agricultural programs of CAUSES.  
5. Coordinates implements and reports on the impact of the USDA/AMS Specialty Crops Block Grant on urban agriculture and District residents.
6. Develops and maintains an awareness of urban agriculture and innovative food production methods by involving professional and lay people in program-planning, research , and education.
7. Collects information and data on the impact of programming and regularly shares information with program sponsors, advisory groups, and other appropriate stakeholders as directed.
8. Teaches one course per semester in the Academic Program of CAUSES or the equivalent in community education programs (extension services);
9. Establishes a team approach to work that positions innovative food production methods as an integral part of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education, Land-grant Programs, and CAUSES.
10. Designs, implements, and coordinates Urban Agriculture initiatives that are effective and outcomes-oriented and support the mission, reach and effectiveness of CAUSES.
11. Communicates program goals and desired outcomes as well as implementation procedures to the Assistant Director and Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education, the Associate Dean of Land-grant Programs, and CAUSES’s staff as needed.
12. Coordinates the Plan of Work with the Assistant Director and Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education and, the Associate Dean of Land-grant Programs.
13. Works with academic and program staff members within CAUSES to foster a collaborative environment conducive to excellence in research, outreach and teaching.

Minimum Job Requirements

1. Master’s degree (PhD preferred) from an accredited college or university in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, ecology, biological sciences, nutrient management, sustainable systems, agricultural technology or related fields.
2. A demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals, success in garnering extramural funding, and ability to work with growers and extension.
3. Strong quantitative skills and an understanding of biostatistics.
4. A minimum of three years of experience in increasingly responsible academic, research and administrative positions. Post-doctoral experience preferred.
5. A proven commitment to continuous improvement and to proactive, outcomes oriented work in meeting the responsibilities and duties outlined in the position description.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME local 2087 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Residency Preference: The Residency Preference Amendment Act of 1988, D.C. Law 7-203, created a system in which provides that any applicant for employment in the Career or Educational Services who is a bona fide resident of the District of Columbia may claim a residency reference at the time of application. An applicant selected for an appointment based on District residency will be required to submit no less than eight (8) proofs of bona fide District residency. Bona fide District residency must be maintained from the date of appointment to the position for seven (7) consecutive years. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the (7) year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.  The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia.  The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources Only.

Contact Information:  All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal opportunity/.