Extension Fruit Tree Specialist (Sustainable Agriculture)

American Samoa Community College (ASCC) was established in 1970 to provide post-secondary education opportunities in the liberal arts, teacher training, vocational-technical education and general education to the residents of American Samoa. ASCC offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, as well as Certificate programs in a variety of academic and technical areas.

ASCC is located on Tutuila, the largest of American Samoa's 7 islands in the village of Mapusaga, nine miles west of Pago Pago, the territory's center of trade and commerce. American Samoa lies about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii and 1,800 miles northeast of New Zealand. Tutuila comprises approximately three-fourths of American Samoa's 76 square miles and is home to 90% of its population of nearly 60,000. The other 6 islands are Aunu'u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta'u, Swains and Rose Atoll.

Position Overview:

Under the general director of the Agriculture Extension Program Manager (AEPM) of the ASCC Community & Natural Resources Division (CNR), the incumbent is responsible for taking the lead in developing and promoting the "Fruits for Life" program. The incumbent will conduct limited research in determining cultivar suitability for the various tropical/subtropical fruit tree species that have potential in the Territory of American Samoa. The incumbent will also develop and deliver relevant educational programs to extension agents, the farming community, youth and the public in general. 

Responsibilities:

Working with the AEPM and other specialists, the Extension Fruit Tree Specialist develops projects in support of the "Fruit for Life" program. Examples of work include but not limited to:

• Conducting fruit tree cultivar trials/demonstrations and collecting information to develop informational training materials for the agriculture extension agents and the farming community.
• Organizing and conducting training on fruit tree propagation including but not limited to budding, grafting and marcottage for extension agents, the farming community, schools, youth and adult groups.
• Managing the fruit tree greenhouse and orchard: ordering supplies on a timely basis to ensure that projects and the necessary training have the necessary resources to meet their projected impacts.
• Assisting other Specialists and Agriculture Extension Agents in their programs.
• Developing own weekly Plans of Work that contribute to the accomplishment of the Annual Plan of Work.
• Teaching at least 1 agricultural science course in his area of specialty per academic year.
• Conducting formative and summative evaluation of fruit tree projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The incumbent must possess knowledge, ability and skills in fruit tree propagation, greenhouse and orchard management. The incumbent must also possess the knowledge and experience for developing the "Fruit for Life" extension program; the incumbent must possess the ability and experience to conduct extension trials to determine best cultivars of tropical/subtropical fruit trees for the territory and conduct workshops to present findings and publish brochures.

The incumbent must demonstrate ability to formulate and accomplish weekly plans of work, and must be computer literate in MS Word and Publisher. The incumbent must show ability to obtain information from the internet from research-based websites, good written and oral communication skills in English, and an understanding of the Samoan culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture or related field with 8 years experience or 5 years as an Agriculture Extension Agent IV in fruit tree culture. Possess a valid private driver's license.

Preferred Requirements:

PhD in horticulture, pomology or related field and 2 years experience or Masters in same with 5 years experience.

Compensation: To commensurate with academic and experiential background.

Application Deadline: October 9, 2009

To Apply:

Applications are available from American Samoa Community College