Agronomy and Natural Resources Extension Educator

Penn State University

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About The Position

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Extension Educator trained in Agronomy, Nutrient Management, Agri-business Management, or Precision Agriculture to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension Agronomy and Natural Resource Unit. As a member of the Agronomy and Natural Resource Extension Team, the individual will be responsible for actively working with the team to identify important educational learning objectives, develop and lead educational events to support these learning objectives. The individual will be expected to develop original content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods such as online courses, videos, webinars, and electronic publications in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations. It is expected that the individual in the position will have a general understanding of agronomic practices and will be able to provide technical support to agricultural producers. Key objectives include: Adoption of sustainable, economic agronomic production practices. Adoption of production practices that contribute to improved water quality through reduced nutrient and pesticide contamination. Development of diverse, value-added crop production enterprises that contribute to economic growth. Improvement of pesticide management practices to reduce human exposure, pesticide runoff into surface waters, and reduce the likelihood of pest resistance. The development of close collaborations with agricultural governmental agencies and ag service providers would have a positive impact. Team members are expected to work closely with university-based research faculty to develop and conduct applied research relevant to state-wide customer needs. The individual must be able to work effectively in a team and with diverse populations and audiences. The successful candidate will need to develop and/or participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple Extension Program Teams and outside institutions. All team members are expected to participate in the development of a diverse external funding portfolio (e.g., grants, contracts, cost recovery, development) in support of the team’s programs. The successful candidate will be based in Berks County (1238 County Road, Leesport) Sport Road Road, Land will be part of a state team and thus expected to participate and deliver programs across the state. This position is an opportunity to join one of the nation’s leading extension organizations at a time when it is embarking on a new and exciting business model. A new model that encourages risk taking and innovation.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required in English, valued in Spanish.
• Must possess teaching and interpersonal skills; ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and clientele, and to work as a member of a team.
• The candidate must be organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Practical knowledge in the use of computer software packages such as: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, video conferencing is required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, use of a private automobile, and the ability to travel across several counties.
• Candidate must have the ability to carry equipment, educational materials and supplies with or without accommodation.
• If filled as Extension Educator - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• If filled as Extension Educator - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with degree(s) in agronomy, plant science, nutrient management, agri-business or other related disciplines, and to those that have related work experience in education or industry.
• Writing articles and formal reports on clientele information, managing grants, and providing leadership in a group.

Responsibilities

• Actively working with the team to identify important educational learning objectives
• Develop and lead educational events to support these learning objectives
• Develop original content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods such as online courses, videos, webinars, and electronic publications in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations
• Provide technical support to agricultural producers
• Develop and conduct applied research relevant to state-wide customer needs
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple Extension Program Teams and outside institutions
• Participate in the development of a diverse external funding portfolio (e.g., grants, contracts, cost recovery, development) in support of the team’s programs
• Participate and deliver programs across the state

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees