The Extension Educator will provide producer outreach activities, coordination, and education for the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) project. The educator will recruit and use integrated, multi-disciplinary approaches to support farmers in implementing AMP activities and develop marketing strategies for their produce. Including but not limited to labeling, direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community supported agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others. Key responsibilities include recruiting farmers, providing education about production systems, solving production and marketing challenges, collecting production and sales data, and developing marketing channels for farmers involved with the project. The educator will also contribute to the development of outreach materials, organize producer meetings and cohort activities. This requires traveling within Ohio to participating farm sites.
CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO 10/31/2028; HOWEVER, IT IS CONTINGENT ON THE ANNUAL REVIEW AND RENEWAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Production Outreach and Engagement
- Assist in recruiting farmers to participate in the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) project
- Develop and implement effective and innovative educational programming on utilizing slurry manure-based fertilizer for vegetable production
- Develop and deliver educational programming on regenerative agriculture o Coordinate producer engagement activities (field days, demos, trainings, and cohort meetings).
- Develop fact sheets, videos and educational materials regarding vegetable production with manure-based fertilizer and regenerative practices
- Assist farmers enrolled in the grant to obtain a farm number from the USDA-Farm Service Agency
- Provide resources to farmers on programs available through USDA agencies
- Provide on‑site technical assistance to farmers and document production activities.
Marketing
- Develop marketing strategies for farmers enrolled in the grant for specialty crop products.
- Develop and deliver educational programming on marketing strategies such as labeling, direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community supported agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others for farmers enrolled in the grant and other CSU Extension stakeholders.
- Create partnerships with collaborating agencies, organizations, and other stakeholder groups to create marketing opportunities for specialty crop products in Ohio, with an emphasis on those grown with climate-smart technologies
- Provide resources to farmers on programs available through USDA agencies
- Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming for farmers regarding marketing specialty crop products
- Conduct demonstrations, programs and meetings to educate farmers about new technology and practices related to marketing specialty crops.
- Provide technical assistance on marketing topics and issues. o Gather and organize marketing‑related data (sales logs, buyer contacts) to support educator‑led efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
Team Support & Safety
- Assist project staff in meeting AMP objectives and timelines.
- Participate as a member of the CSU Extension ANR team to share program ideas and deliverable to be used by ANR educators with other farmers in Ohio.
- Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
- Collect, record, and evaluate program impacts for reporting requirements
- Establish professional relationships with faculty on campus to enhance extension programming.
- Represent CSU Extension with groups and organizations involved with marketing channels and regenerative agriculture
- Ensure that programs and activities are available to all interested people in accordance with applicable equal opportunity/civil rights laws and best practices.
- Uphold a respectful, professional communication style both oral and in written form
- Attend professional development opportunities.
- Recruit and supervise student assistants for field tasks.
- Follow safety protocols and maintain professional communication with farmers and partners.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, agricultural marketing/economics, extension education, or a closely related agricultural field.
- Experience delivering outreach, education, or technical assistance to farmers or agricultural audiences.
- Experience in marketing, sales, economic analysis, or data evaluation for niche, specialty crop and organic farmers
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency with reporting, presentation, data‑tracking tools, and online communication/marketing platforms.
- Evidence of ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation; ability to work evenings and weekends if needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, agricultural marketing/economics, extension education, or related field.
- Experience working with small‑scale vegetables and row‑crop producers.
- Extension or other informal educational experience (e.g., workshops, field demonstrations, extension programs).
- Knowledge of extension program planning, evaluation, and outreach principles.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with agencies, organizations, producer networks, and diverse stakeholders, strong interpersonal skills.
Posting Date 07/20/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants
Travel Requirements
- Regular in‑state travel required, occasional evenings and weekends.
All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future.
Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience
