A New Approach to Onboarding Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Staff
Early Career Development
Erika Lyon
Extension Educator - ANR
Ohio State University Extension
Steubenville
Abstract
In the last five years, approximately 40 extension professionals have been hired at Ohio State University Extension, not including state specialists, and high turnover is anticipated over the next few years as county staff approach retirement. Furthermore, county staff had identified the need for improvement in onboarding and mentoring. As a result, the revamped onboarding process for ANR staff was initiated in January 2021. The program includes a new process for assignment of mentors, an online library of resources, and a mix of virtual and in-person in-services with hands-on learning opportunities designed to allow staff to begin building professional and personal relationships. Each year, in-services covering the core topics of farm management, soil and nutrient management, diagnostics and pesticides are offered along with alternating topics that include relationship building, conducting farm visits, program planning, reporting, on-farm research, livestock, forage crops, tractor operator skills, and volunteer management. Attending monthly sessions are mandatory for staff under a year on the job and optional for those between one to five years. Up to 23 staff members under five years of experience have participated in sessions monthly since the start of the program. An online library which includes videos and fact sheets on Extension professional conduct and strategies for relationship building with clientele, specialization development, professional development, Extension organizations, teams, annual reporting, county website management, public relations, creative works, service and teaching tips, downloadable curriculum and more. Evaluation of the onboarding process is underway, and the program continues to adapt to needs identified by new staff.
Authors: Erika Lyon, Amanda Bennett, Greg Meyer
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Erika Lyon Extension Educator - ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43952
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Amanda Bennett Extension Educator - ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45373
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Greg Meyer Extension Educator - ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45036