Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
February 20, 2004 Purdue Extension: More than a jobWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University Extension is looking for a few good problem-solvers, go-getters and creative thinkers to join a work force of more than 300 others just like them across Indiana. "Due to a host of retirements in the past year, we are looking to fill many Extension educator positions across the state," said Purdue Cooperative Extension Service director David Petritz. "This is a transition time for Extension and a tremendous opportunity for some energetic folks willing to try something new." Extension educators represent the face of Purdue in all 92 Indiana counties. Purdue Extension offices are staffed by educators who provide local programming and services in the areas of youth and families, agriculture, community development, and leadership and 4-H. The educators work with Purdue Extension campus specialists to take the most recent university research findings to local communities. "Communities want more research answers to the problems they face," Petritz said. "Extension educators facilitate discussions on public issues and match university expertise to local concerns." That was the case in LaGrange County in northern Indiana when the population of that mostly rural area started rapidly growing. Purdue Extension educators organized a steering committee of community leaders to examine the county's future needs. They also helped address five major issues, including planned growth, youth and recreation, family and youth empowerment, government accountability, and preserving natural resources. "Extension was in a unique position to initiate and coordinate the countywide effort," said Merrily Hamp, county Extension director. "We had the capacity to bring people together, provide expertise, and did so with an objective viewpoint." Sometimes Extension helps improve the bottom line. Weather and soil conditions in southeast Indiana can make it difficult to profit from growing corn, soybeans and tobacco. Farmers with limited acres look for additional ways to boost their incomes. Extension educator Dan Wilson helped local farmers find a viable alternative crop: black beans. In 1997, Decatur County farmers planted 65 acres of black beans. With Wilson's help, the total has greatly expanded. By 2002, black bean acreage grew to 1,000 acres, producing 50,000 pounds of beans. "We grow about $1 million worth of black beans in this county," Wilson said. "Black bean yields compare to soybean yields, with returns about four times greater per acre." Petritz said Extension educators partner with many organizations to solve a variety of community problems. Among the projects: • Special recycling days in Scott County to divert hard-to-dispose-of items from landfills. Among the items collected were 105 refrigerators, 85 mercury-laden fluorescent tubes, 2,000 gallons of motor oil and nearly 2,000 tires. • "Workplace Spanish," a two-day course to teach basic language skills and cultural awareness that was organized to help Marshall County businesses and community organizations communicate with the Spanish-speaking population. • A "Reality Store" that helped 169 eighth-grade students understand career options and learn money management skills, which was operated by Purdue Extension in local school corporations in Posey County. • The "Exploring the Food Pyramid with Professor Popcorn" program in Vanderburgh County that convinced three dozen students to begin eating breakfast, bringing to 532 - or 93 percent - the number of students enrolled in the program who start their day with a nutritious meal. "We have creative people who seek creative solutions to problems," Petritz said. "If you like to work with people and are willing to try something different, then Extension may be the job for you." Kimberly Carter is an Extension educator in Johnson County. She didn't always plan a career in Extension, but finds the job over the past five years has met and exceeded her expectations. "I have a master's degree in agricultural economics and a bachelor's in animal science, and didn't expect to do some of things I do now as an educator," Carter said. "I always enjoyed public speaking and get to do that a lot, and my programming also includes horticulture and gardening, which always interested me." Information about Purdue Extension careers are available online. The site includes information on openings, job requirements and application procedures. Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu Sources: David Petritz, (765) 494-8489 Merrily Hamp (260) 463-7808, mhamp@purdue.edu Dan Wilson, (812) 663-8388, wilsondg@ces.purdue.edu Kimberly Carter (317) 736-3724, kimcart@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu
|
