TITLE: Extension Associate – Aquaponics and Hydroponics

DEPARTMENT: Aquaculture

REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the DARE KY Principal Investigator (PI), the Extension Associate for Aquaponics and Hydroponics position will perform Extension activities within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at Kentucky State University. This position will principally serve the DARE KY project’s mission in soilless agriculture and support the team in the project management with emphasis on outreach.

This position at KSU is supported by KY Horticulture Council, principally to conduct Extension activities in soilless agriculture with emphasis on hydroponics and aquaponics, as supported by the DARE KY project within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources’ (CAHNR) Aquaculture Program.

The Extension Associate in Hydroponic and Aquaponics systems will perform Extension and Applied Research activities within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at Kentucky State University. Extension duties include assisting in the planning, designing, and implementation of hydroponics & aquaponics program in general and in coordinating with various teams and agencies involved in the DARE KY project in specific, maintenance of recirculating aquaculture and aquaponic systems, overseeing the operation of the Aquaponics Demonstration Greenhouse, providing facility tours, assisting stakeholders with questions related to aquaculture and aquaponics, and other duties as required. Additionally, help the team with Program presentations, newsletter articles, blog posts, e- news and with program management. This position will also serve as a support for CAHNR. Some travel related to the above responsibilities, approximately 10-20%, is required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the designing and implementation of aquaponics program.
• Assist in performing fish husbandry activities and demonstrations.
• Assist in performing plant propagation activities.
• Coordinate between various teams and agencies involved in the DARE KY project in keeping certain core outreach related aspects in the project streamlined.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and with fact sheets.
• Supervise undergraduate/graduate students and technicians.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of the Aquaponics Demonstration Greenhouse.
• Support and participate in extension/outreach activities related to Aquaponics.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of aquaculture, hydroponics, and/or aquaponics.
• Some experience with recirculating aquaculture systems.
• Effective oral and writing skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, but cooperatively work with others.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently are essential.
• Ability to organize a diverse workload.
• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.
• Ability to work with groups from K-12 to senior citizens.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Travel and overnight stays may be necessary (approximately 10-20% of total work).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

OTHER DUTIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities. Out of state travel may be necessary to attend conferences or other events.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.