JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, seeks 1 part-time (60% FTE / 21 hours per week) New Farmer Training Outreach Assistant to conduct outreach activities directly associated with new farmer training. The Educational Program Assistant 2 will report to the Senior Extension Educator in Food Systems based in the Tolland County Extension Office.

This position will assist with planning and implementing training for new farmer stakeholders delivered through the Solid Ground Farmer Training Program and the Venture Farming Institute Training Project. The position will assist with the delivery of training designed to bolster new farmer readiness and viability, including topics on production, farm business, farmland access, as well as access to grants and capital through established state and federal programs. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing new farms in Connecticut. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide support with planning and implementing training programs, workshops, and events for targeted farmers, including in-person and virtual formats.
• Participate in weekly Project Team meetings of staff and partners working to deliver new farmer trainings. In this capacity, report to project partners on activities and progress meeting timelines and deliverables.
• Develop and manage a roster of service providers and farmers that will be engaged as trainers.
• Assist in development program evaluation protocols to measure the impact of trainings.
• Use web pages and digital communications to disseminate information to targeted farmers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience in plant science or agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Experience contributing to the design and delivery of new farmer training programs in Connecticut.
3. Experience working with agriculture service providers and programs in Connecticut.
4. Experience organizing and facilitating events with small and large groups of adult learners.
5. Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience implementing Extension programs.
2. Experience owning/operating an agriculture business.
3. Experience writing progress reports for federal and state grants.

APPOINTMENT TERM

This is a 60% FTE (21 hours per week) UCPEA end-dated position, expected to end September 2026, with occasional work on weekends and evenings. For more information about the UConn Department of Extension, please refer to our website: https://cahnr.uconn.edu/extension/.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/. 

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle to travel to community-based programs and farms. This position also requires the ability to lift up to 15 pounds, with or without mechanical assistance.  

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499377 to upload a resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional or work-related references. Your cover letter should address how you meet all of the minimum qualifications.  

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 28, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.