Education Program Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

The VectorED Network is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Education Program Specialist (Professional) to support and lead education, evaluation, and field-based initiatives related to vector-borne disease prevention, with a focus on tick management. This position plays a key role in developing, delivering, coordinating, and evaluating non-credit educational and professional development programs for external audiences. The specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator at Penn State and collaborate with interdisciplinary partners across public health, Extension, and vector control programs. This is a field- and program-intensive position that integrates applied evaluation, community engagement, and continuing education. The Education Program Specialist will contribute to the full lifecycle of Extension and professional training programs, from needs assessment and program design to delivery, evaluation, and reporting, and will also support field-based evaluation and surveillance activities. The role emphasizes community engagement, applied education, and data-driven program improvement.

Requirements

• Experience with data collection and management.
• Demonstrated experience in field evaluation, including small or medium mammal handling.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in entomology, ecology, public health, biology, or a related field, with a master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with Extension or non-credit education programs.
• Familiarity with vector-borne disease systems such as ticks or mosquitoes.
• Experience with survey tools and program evaluation methods.
• Experience supporting webinars or professional training programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational and professional development programs related to vector-borne diseases; conduct needs assessments and market evaluation; develop educational materials, including publications, presentations, web content, and training resources; assist in planning and delivering a professional development webinar series, including speaker coordination, promotion, facilitation, and evaluation; track program metrics and analyze outcomes; prepare reports and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Coordinate field logistics and support data collection for tick surveillance and control projects; conduct tick sampling, ecological assessments, and habitat evaluations in public and natural spaces; conduct small and medium mammal trapping and sampling; coordinate and work with a field crew of 3–4 individuals; prepare and maintain field materials and equipment; maintain accurate field notes, datasheets, and sample tracking systems; enter and manage data within established databases; follow all safety, biosecurity, and compliance protocols.
• Engage with community members and the public during field activities to communicate project goals and vector-borne disease prevention strategies; support communication and coordination with public health agencies, vector control programs, and partner organizations; assist with scheduling meetings, documenting interactions and sharing program resources.
• Support implementation of needs assessments and program evaluations, including survey development, distribution, response tracking, and summarizing results; maintain and update the VECTOR Library database by reviewing entries, correcting links and metadata, organizing content, and adding new resources while ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Provide general support for training, outreach, and evaluation activities, including preparation of educational materials, coordination of meetings and events, data collection and entry, and development of reports and Communications.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level