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JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), seeks applicants for five (5) part-time (85% FTE/ 29.75 hours/week) Regional Farm to School Outreach Assistants (Educational Program Assistant 2) to conduct outreach activities that are directly associated with increasing farm to school activities and local procurement among child nutrition program sponsors in Connecticut. Under the supervision of the Senior Educator in Food Systems, and the Visiting Associate Extension Educator in Food Systems, these positions will perform programmatic support for Extension outreach and education targeting.

Outreach Assistants will support the delivery of training and technical assistance tied to deliverables to the Connecticut State Department of Education. They will assist stakeholders in planning, collaborating, and building networks to support farm-to-school activities. They will assist in the coordination and delivery of learning events targeting stakeholders. They will present their work on a weekly basis to the supervisor for feedback and direction. In addition to their outreach duties, they will conduct administrative duties toward grant management (e.g. monthly progress reporting, tracking meeting attendance, maintaining notes from stakeholder interaction, meeting deliverables, and timelines). The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities for farm-to-school in Connecticut, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale agriculture in the Northeast region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

+ Provide support with planning technical assistance and training events for stakeholders as required by formal Extension programs.

+ Provide support with delivery of technical assistance and training to target audiences.

+ Disseminate information about upcoming learning events and opportunities to stakeholders.

+ Participate in weekly project team meetings to plan Extension outreach programs for stakeholders, such as conferences, professional development workshops, and monthly virtual meetings.

+ Provide event coordination support at in-person educational events through tabling, registration check-in, signage, filming, and distribution of evaluations.

+ Design and develop learning materials (presentation, fact sheets, posters, and/or videos) on topics relevant to stakeholders. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to using incentives to purchase local and regionally grown food, planning menus to feature local ingredients, marketing locally grown items on the cafeteria line, how to meet and talk with producers, and how to develop an action plan for farm to school in a school/district.

+ Conduct in person visits with program participants to document their activities (photo/video) and identify needs for training and educational resources.

+ Assist stakeholders with completing and utilizing the Connecticut State Department of Education's CT Fresh ED Compass - a digital evaluation tool designed to help child nutrition sponsors establish baseline and track progress on increasing farm to school activities.

+ Support the implementation of program evaluation to measure the performance of outreach programs.

+ Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds.

+ Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

+ Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 2 to 3 years of experience in food and agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

+ Experience delivering farm to school outreach associated with promoting state programs, grants, and/or incentives.

+ Experience and demonstrated skills in project management, including planning, logistics, marketing, implementation, and evaluation.

+ Experience organizing and facilitating events with small and large groups of adult learners.

+ Experience working with diverse audiences.

+ Demonstrated experience utilizing written and verbal communications skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Completed leadership training or professional development in food systems in Connecticut or Northeast region.

+ Leadership or membership of a Connecticut or Northeast stakeholder group committed to strengthening food and/or agriculture systems.

+ Experience writing progress reports for federal and state grants.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

These are 12-month, part-time, 85% FTE position (29.75 hours per week) durational UCPEA positions. These appointments are expected to be for 12 months, with renewal of the appointment contingent upon performance and available funding. 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 #499378 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.