Position:
Communications Specialist, Office of Sustainable Agriculture Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
Position Description:
This is a new position with the Office of Sustainable Agriculture
Programs at USDA. The office manages national research, education,
and extension programs in sustainable agriculture, including the
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.=20
Funding for programs totalled $12.2 million in 1995. The
communications specialist will work with four regional
communications specialists and the Sustainable Agriculture Network
(SAN) coordinator to develop and deliver information and programs
on sustainable agriculture. This job will be highly varied,
involving public outreach, tracking policy developments, working
with the media, and writing and editing materials. Communications
will be directed towards a diverse set of audiences, including
farmers and ranchers, agricultural scientists and educators, and
the general public. A particular focus of the position will be
assisting with the Sustainable Agriculture Technology Development
and Transfer Program, funded at $3.5 million annually to provide
sustainable agriculture training for extension and other field
agencies. Many projects will involve teamwork with regional staff.
Qualifications:
B.S. or B.A. required, by date of appointment, in journalism,
agriculture, or other relevant degree area. Masters degree is
desirable. Prefer academic background in
journalism/communications, with some coursework in agriculture or
some area of biological/environmental science. Experiential
background in agriculture could substitute for agricultural
coursework. Experience with desktop publishing and computer
graphics is required. Prior work experience in producing
journalistic material or communicating with the media on
agriculture or other technical subjects is strongly preferred.=20
Familiarity with Internet services and other emerging technologies
is desirable.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary
range will be $28,000 to $37,000 annually. Benefits package
through University of Maryland includes health, dental, and life
insurance, social security, retirement, tuition remission, 25 days
paid vacation and personal leave (plus university holidays) and 15
days sick leave annually. The position is offered through the
University of Maryland with funding from USDA=FEs Office of
Sustainable Agriculture Programs.
Starting Date:
Flexible starting date, beginning October 1, 1995, or later.
Application Information:
Applications will be accepted through August 31, 1995, or until a
suitable candidate is found. Applicants should submit a resume,
transcripts (photocopies or originals), a cover letter outlining
relevant background and interests, a list of references with
addresses and phone numbers, and one or more writing samples. Send
all material to:
Dr. Robert L. Myers
Director, Office of Sustainable Agriculture Programs
USDA Room 3854 South Building
Ag Box 0910
Washington, DC 20250
Questions about the position can be referred to Rob Myers at
202-720-5623.