Work Location: The area to be served is FFA Areas 3&4 in Southern Louisiana, which consists of 27 parishes serving 110 agricultural education departments (FFA chapters). The goals of the Ag Ed & FFA Program include increasing youth leadership development, improving supervised agricultural experience and classroom instruction; strengthening the agricultural teaching workforce; improving teacher retention, and building communities. The Ag Ed specialist will be domiciled in an LSU Agcenter parish or region office within proximity of the candidates residence.

Position Description: The LSU AgCenter is actively seeking applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.

The LSU AgCenter seeks an Agricultural Education/FFA specialist to join the state staff of the Louisiana FFA Association. Candidate must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with culturally, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse audiences. Applicant must have abilities to build and maintain effective working relationships with agriscience teachers, FFA members, community-based and grassroots organizations, industry sponsors and peers in the LSU AgCenter organization. Candidate will also provide strong leadership in the development of early career ag teachers and educational content that is engaging and relevant to FFA members. Candidate will be part of a team that works together in support of initiatives designed to promote and support teachers & students of secondary agriculture, leadership, and workforce development.

What the candidate will do:

• Provide technical assistance to teachers in classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA.
• Provide technical assistance to teachers in regard to program planning, student achievement, classroom management, facilities and equipment, livestock shows, work-based learning, community relations, etc.
• Coordinate and execute area and state level Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. This includes: working with university staff to set up events, securing event judges, preparing judging packets and written exams, helping secure resources/samples, helping return borrowed equipment/resources, operating the grading technology, organizing group leaders, reporting results, etc.
• Provide technical assistance to teachers in completing their FFA roster, FFA event registration, scholarship applications, SAE record books, Agriscience Fair applications, degree applications, proficiency award applications, and other internet-based FFA awards and initiatives.
• Assist and support teachers in the implementation of new curriculum, technology, and credentials per the Executive Director of Agricultural Education.
• Represent the State FFA Office at chapter banquets, district level CDEs/LDEs, chapter retreats, local school board meetings, etc.
• Work with local FFA chapters to promote and develop FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters.
• Participate in the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE) and collaborate with staff from other states to share ideas and develop programs.
• Serve as a member of Louisiana Team Ag Education to implement and evaluate the state’s strategic plan.
• Organize and help Area 3&4 teachers plan summer training to state-winning FFA teams for national competition in CDEs/LDEs, proficiency awards, National Chapter Award, Agriscience Fair, and other national-qualifying events.
• Assist in carrying out programs at State FFA Convention.
• Aid the Area FFA advisor and officer team to promote leadership development and strengthen FFA programming.
• Conduct professional development for teachers during the school year, at district professional development days, FFA summer camp, and the LATA annual conference.
• Maintain and update content on state FFA website, create content for the Louisiana FFA YouTube channel, work with the CDE board to improve events, attend CDE board meetings, utilize AET to improve Louisiana’s SAE program, and cooperate with Judging Card to score all competitive events.
• Collaborate and develop strategic partnerships with parish and governmental departments, local businesses, and social service agencies to provide diverse and innovative educational opportunities for positive youth development.
• Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness to strengthen current FFA programs while reviewing and implementing new policies, maintaining records, assessing risks, communicating effectively across social media platforms, uploading data, and creating educational materials.
• Seek and manage financial resources to support FFA programming and ensure all financial policies are followed as instructed by LSU AgCenter and FFA Foundation guidelines.
• Follow all LSU AgCenter policies and best practices regarding affirmative action, program development, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Develop and implement a communication plan for FFA participants, families, volunteers, and stakeholders using effective and contemporary approaches, including current social media.
• Write content for various media sources (e.g., newspapers, radio, newsletters, web, social media) to promote programs, report on programs, and educate the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated teaching skills in formal secondary settings.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use social media in a variety of formats.
• Comfort presenting in front of small and large crowds.
• Experience establishing solid partnerships.
• Highly self-motivated.
• Experience training LDEs, CDEs, writing award applications, FFA grants and FFA degree applications.
• Demonstrated skills in FFA officer team development at the chapter level.
• Experience creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience.
• Experience managing FFA contests, judges, teachers, and students.
• Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework/training on multicultural topics.

Qualification Requirements: At least 5 years of secondary agricultural education/FFA experience. Baccalaureate degree in education, vocational education, agricultural sciences, or closely related areas. The applicant must demonstrate effective 21st century oral and written communication skills. Experience in FFA events including but not limited to: award applications, CDEs/LDEs, and Agriscience Fair is also desired. Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change are highly desirable characteristics. Ability to work with and through others is essential as is the ability to function with minimum supervision. Must be willing to travel.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will range between $55,000-$65,000. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement (TRSL available), multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Conditions of Employment:

Must pass a background check. A personal automobile and appropriate insurance coverage are required (travel allowance provided).

Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.

Application Deadline: June 21, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Application Procedure: Qualified candidates must apply online at LSU My Workday Application Page by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita (resume), a letter of application, official university transcripts, two letters of reference and a statement of teaching philosophy as well as a statement describing how diversity would figure into your teaching, research, or extension activities. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324. (Paper, faxed, or emailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:

Henry Eric Smith, Ph.d

244 John M Parker Coliseum

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Email: hsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu

Phone: 225-578-5749 Fax 225-578-0802

Web site: Louisiana Agriculture Education Site

The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and applications will be accepted without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Information on Equal Employment can be obtained from the EEO and Civil Rights Coordinator, 103 J. Norman Efferson Hall, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone 225.578.2258. It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to employ only United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.