Job Details

University of New Hampshire
  • Position Number: 3073219
  • Location: Durham, NH
  • Position Type: Agriculture - Animal Science
Extension State Specialist, Dairy Production

Institution Information

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide

Summary of Position

The Extension State Specialist, Dairy Production will deliver research-based programming and technical expertise to dairy farms of all sizes and production models throughout the state to enhance sustainability and viability. This is a 100% Extension appointment based primarily at the Merrimack County Extension office in Boscawen, N.H., with additional office space in the Keener Dairy Research building on UNH's Durham campus.

The specialist will develop and implement innovative outreach programs for New Hampshire's dairy producers with a focus on farm management, facilities, and production practices. We expect the candidate to develop networks with dairy organizations and farmers and to help link the dairy community to resources within and outside of UNH Extension. The specialist will provide one-on-one instruction and technical assistance to dairy producers and disseminate current research-based information to clients through educational events such as workshops, field tours, and producer meetings. We expect the candidate to provide support for and seek synergies with campus faculty and Extension specialists working in diverse areas of agricultural systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with industry and Extension colleagues across the New England states and will compete successfully in national and regional funding initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities

Educational Program Development & Delivery

  • Develop and implement innovative outreach programs for New Hampshire's dairy producers with a focus in farm management, facilities, new technologies and production practices.

  • When appropriate, conduct practical applied on-farm research to support the state and region's agricultural community.

  • Facilitate synergies between UNH Extension, the NH Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) and the state's dairy farmers. When appropriate, incorporate NHAES research and researchers into Extension programming.

  • As appropriate, contribute to the educational offerings of the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems as a lecturer in undergraduate courses in animal sciences.

  • Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and ensure that all educational programming is conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.

  • Assess statewide, regional and national needs, challenges and trends in agriculture and use this information as a basis for program development.

  • Compete successfully in national and regional funding initiatives, generating 25% of annual salary from external grants and contracts beginning in the second year of employment.


    • Collaborative Networks

  • Build and maintain partnerships with university faculty and state and federal agencies such as the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture; NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food; NH Department of Health and Human Services; Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Farm Service Agency.

  • Build and maintain partnerships with agricultural organizations and associations such as the NH Dairy Practices Committee, Granite State Dairy Promotion, dairy breed associations, New England Green Pastures, Agri-Mark, Dairy Farmers of America, Organic Valley, NH Farm Bureau Federation, and other states' Extension services.


    • Organizational Support

  • Serve in UNHCE organizational leadership or committees, and support team development by serving in a mentor capacity as needed and where appropriate.



  • Professional Development

  • Participate in professional development to enhance competence in the appropriate disciplines.


    • Additional Job Information

    UNH is a federal contractor within the meaning of the Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This position may require that you be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the future, unless you apply for and receive a religious or medical exemption. You may not test out of this requirement.

    Other Minimum Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in a relevant agricultural field with coursework in dairy science.

  • At least three years' experience working within the dairy industry.

  • Appreciation of dairy operations of all sizes, production models, and market strategies.

  • Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the industry.

  • Enthusiasm for working with the state's diverse agricultural industry.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of dairy production practices and business management.

  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team.

  • Experience in planning and delivering educational programs.

  • Willingness and ability to establish and work with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.

  • Ability to regularly travel throughout the state, as well as travel in the region. Travel costs will be reimbursed at the federal rate.



  • Additional Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in small scale diverse agricultural systems.

  • Knowledge of general farming practices related to livestock and forage crop production.

  • Experience in securing extramural funding.

  • Experience or familiarity with Extension programs.



  • Salary Information

  • Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.


    • Applicants must apply https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/47868

    The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.







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