TITLE
WSU Cooperative Extension Area Faculty--Agriculture Systems
LOCATION
Chehalis, Washington
LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Area Faculty--Agriculture Systems, is administratively responsible to the Le
wis County
Chair and programmatically responsible to the Extension Chairs of Thurston, Gray
s Harbor,
Pacific, and Cowlitz Counties.
GEOGRAPHY OF THE REGION
Chehalis is located approximately half way between Seattle, Washington and Portl
and, Oregon,
and just recently began to feel the population pressure of the two metropolitan
regions as
people discover this rural area. The climate of the region is mild with wet wint
ers and
generally dry summer seasons. Flooding is common for many low-living fields in t
he winter
season. There are many small-scale farms in the region in addition to commercial
farms that
generally range in size from 200 to 400 acres. High value crops are green peas a
nd sweet
corn, grown under contract with two local processors. Other important crops are
wheat, forage
(pasture, hay and silage) and small acreages of blueberries, raspberries, strawb
erries,
flower bulbs, and vegetables. Small-scale greenhouse production of a variety of
plants are
also important to the region. Sprinkler irrigation is usually provided for sweet
corn
production and some forage, berry and vegetable crops.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide leadership for planning, conducting, and evaluating on-farm research and
experienced-
based educational and informational programs in horticulture/agronomic productio
n and
marketing. Special emphasis is needed in addressing land use and environmental i
ssues such as
soil and water pollution and opportunities for producing and marketing alternati
ve crops.
Consideration needs to be given to the use of computer technology as a means of
communication
for producers and others users within the area.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide educational programs for producers and consumers regarding food s
ystems. A
systematic process for constituents input in the planning process is expe
cted.
Components include:
a. Soil fertility, erosion and environmental issues.
b. Disease, insect and weed control.
c. Pesticide usage, including environmental issues related to soil an
d water
pollution.
d. Forage production.
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MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (continued)
e. Vegetable and small fruit production.
f. Alternative crops for profitability.
g. Marketing options.
2. Provide leadership and educational programs to promote and enhance rural
economic
development.
3. Provide educational leadership to public decision makers and the public w
ith
information related to soil/land-use decisions.
4. Work closely with area livestock, dairy and other faculty in helping land
owners and
the public to properly assess alternative cropping practices.
5. Collaborate with the district weed board and Lewis County Noxious Weed Co
ntrol
Supervisor planning and carrying out educational weed control programs.
6. Be available for 4-H and other youth educational programs as agreed upon
by faculty
and staff.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. Participate as a member of the WSU Cooperative team in Lewis and the Mid-
Pacific
Cluster Group and work with other faculty on interdisciplinary and multid
isciplinary
programs as appropriate to the audience and issue requirements.
2. Maintain contacts with organizations, and representatives of local, state
and federal
government agents working with extension program priorities to ensure coo
perative
working relationships that enhance effective program delivery.
3. Maintain appropriate communication with extension administration includin
g the county
chair, district director, and college administrators.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. A Master's Degree is required. Work experience, professional training and
knowledge
are preferred in agriculture systems, integrated pest management, farm ma
nagement and
profitability, soil, crop and horticulture sciences.
2. Training and personal skill level in the use of computer technology is re
quired.
3. Successful extension or similar educational outreach experience of design
ing,
implementing, and evaluating educational programs is desirable.
4. Formal training and/or experience in working with individuals and groups
in addressing
sensitive environmental/land-use issues is desirable.
5. Familiarity with the culture of Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans, an
d fluency in
Spanish is desirable.
Apply by submitting a letter of interest for this position, vita, transcripts an
d names and
addresses of five persons from whom letters of reference may be obtained. All ap
plication
material must be in by February 15, 1993.
Send application to Barbara A. Scott, Administrative Assistant, WSU Cooperative
Extension,
305B Hulbert Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6230, 509-335-2888. FAX: 509-335-2959.
For further information about this position, contact Robert O. Butler, District
Director, WSU
Puyallup, 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA 98371-4998, 206-840-4526. FAX:206
-840-4671.
Accommodations for applicants who qualify under the Americans With Disabilities
Act are
available upon request.
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