---------- Text of forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 4 Nov 93 14:11:24 CST
From: RICK EXNER <A2.DNE@ISUMVS.IASTATE.EDU>
To: ghegyes@nalusda.gov
Vacancy Announcement
Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa State University Extension
Note: This position is being held open two weeks beyond the
original date set. Applications will now be accepted through
Nov. 15, 1993.
POSITION: Extension Program Specialist II - Leadership and
Community Development - Sociology
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT: Temporary to December 31, 1996
SALARY: $24,647 (Minimum) - P-13
PROPOSED START DATE: December 1, 1993
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Extension Program Specialist for
Leadership and Organizational/Community Development. This
position serves the Practical Farmers of Iowa's Integrated Farm
Systems project by assisting project coordinators and
implementing committee's in local communities throughout Iowa.
Tasks include working with local groups to solicit participation
of individuals and organizations in the project developing
strategies and plans of action among local community groups to
further integrated farming systems and sustainable agriculture,
and organizing and using local advisory committees. This
position involves planning educational events and some direct
instruction. Assisting diverse groups to work collaboratively is
required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: M.S. or B.S. with equivalent competence in rural
sociology, community development, or closely related area.
Successful record of working with diverse community groups.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Personal
initiative and ability to work independently. Commitment to
integrated farming system goals. Freedom to travel within Iowa.
Preferred: At least two years professional experience organizing
and delivering outreach programs in local communities.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Send letter of application, vita,
examples of written materials, and names of three references to
Bruce Stoll; Assistant to the Vice Provost, Human Resources; 109
Curtiss Hall; Iowa State University; Ames, IA 50011.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11/15/93, or until position is filled.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT CONTACT: Gary Huber,
Project Director; 2104 Agronomy Hall; ISU; Ames, IA 50011.
Phone: 515/294-1923; FAX 515/294-9985; E-Mail agronomy @
exnet.iastate.edu
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. Women, minorities and members of other protected
groups are encouraged to apply.
Practical Farmers of Iowa
Date: September 30, 1993
Background: Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) has worked
diligently to develop and share relevant and valid information on
profitable, environmentally-sound systems of farming. PFI has
also worked to establish relationships between farmers and
university researchers and Extension personnel. However, the
continued decline in the environmental, economic, and social
integrity of rural areas, combined with the need to include
quality of life considerations in PFI's activities, led to this
Integrated Farming Systems project.
Project purpose: To develop community-based groups that will
help provide the support, guidance, and teamwork needed for the
acceptance and use of sustainable systems of farming.
Project objectives:
1) Enhance the ability of farmers to test, select, and use
systems to produce, process, and market food and fiber that are
productive, profitable, environmentally-sound, and supportive
of the social life and economic vitality of rural communities
2) Increase acceptance by rural community residents of
sustainable farming systems by
(a) increasing exposure to these systems
(b) collecting and disseminating data on the costs and
benefits of these systems
(c) increasing dialog between farmers and non-farmers about
these systems
(d) building support groups to make the use of these systems
more likely
3) Increase the familiarity of rural community residents with
ways to work together to enhance the vitality of farms and
communities
4) Increase the ability of rural community residents to
influence the circumstances of their lives
5) Multiply experiences by building a network of community
groups
Project methods: Project staff will aid in the formation and
development of twenty community-based groups over the project's
duration. Additional support will be given by staff from
Extension and other relevant resource groups, with this support
oriented toward providing local facilitation, leadership
training, technical help, and other requested assistance. Groups
will be involved in three phases. The Request to Participate
phase will be when communities are recruited to be involved.
Project Development will be when community members 1) develop a
vision of a local farming system that is productive, profitable,
environmentally-sound, and supportive of the social life and
economic vitality of their community and 2) work this vision into
a specific project proposal. Project Implementation will be when
funds are provided to groups to implement local projects. Other
project methods will include 1) linking groups with annual
conferences, cross-community visits, and a quarterly newsletter
and 2) an on-farm research network.
Anticipated impacts: A locality where people grow into a true
community will have the ability to change values, attitudes, and
most importantly, behaviors. Hence, the most significant
anticipated impact is the building of true community in various
locations across the state, with this anticipated impact having
positive consequences that ripple throughout the towns and
adjacent countryside.
Participants: Practical Farmers of Iowa: Vic Madsen, President
Iowa State University Extension: Jerry Hembd, Director of
Extension to Communities
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture: Dennis Keeney,
Director
Contact: Gary Huber, 2104 Agronomy Hall, ISU, Ames, IA 50011;
515-294-1923