Extension Agent - Northampton
About The Position
Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring an Extension Agent. The Extension Agent provides locally based support for horticultural production and community engagement in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. This position expands Penn State Extension’s capacity to deliver educational programming, provide farm-level technical assistance, and build strong professional networks across the Commonwealth. The Agent will focus on plant production systems, with an emphasis on vegetable and small fruit production, soil science and organic agriculture, and will serve as a visible representative of Penn State Extension. The position is supported by a statewide network of Extension Educators and faculty and utilizes contemporary technology to deliver educational programs and technical assistance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- No prior relevant work experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
- Must operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties.
- A 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
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural science, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of horticultural crop production.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a visible representative and brand ambassador for Penn State Extension within the local community.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agricultural producers, agribusinesses, community organizations, elected officials, and local partners.
- Attend and participate in relevant local meetings, events, and activities to promote Extension programs and services.
- Identify emerging agricultural issues and communicate local needs to Extension program teams.
- Serve as Penn State Extension’s representative on County Fair Boards, as assigned.
- Coordinate, implement, and support educational programs related to horticultural production, including meetings, workshops, clinics, tours, field days, and applied research projects.
- Support State Program Team members with local program delivery in the assigned county.
- Assist with in-person, online, and webinar-based educational programming.
- Promote Extension programs using professional networks and community partnerships.
- Support Vegetable team efforts at Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention.
- Respond to client inquiries by providing information, referrals, and coordination with appropriate Extension resources.
- Provide individualized technical assistance to agricultural producers under the guidance of Extension Educators and faculty.
- Maintain working knowledge of Penn State agricultural analytical services and insect and plant diagnostic laboratories, including sample submission and interpretation of results.
- Develop competency in providing support related to biosecurity, nutrient management, farm management, farm safety, and other production agriculture topics through training and supervised experience.
- Participate in required training and ongoing professional development activities.
- Join and actively participate in Vegetable and Small Fruit Extension program team.
- Collaborate with local Extension staff, Educators, and faculty to enhance program effectiveness and visibility.
- Support 4-H programming by assisting with county roundups (fair), judging and knowledge bowl teams.
- Support farm families by assisting with educational programs related to farm stress, healthy living, and food safety.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
