Extension Agent - Columbia County

Penn State University•Columbia County, NY

2d•$44,628 - $64,668

About The Position

Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Agent based within Columbia County to expand local educational programming and technical assistance for Pennsylvania agricultural communities. Extension Agents connect agricultural producers, agribusinesses, youth, and community partners with Penn State research, educational programs, and practical solutions that strengthen agricultural production, enhance community resilience, and support Pennsylvania agriculture. The agent provides general agricultural technical assistance, on-farm consultations, educational programming, and timely responses to emerging issues. Working with Extension Educators, faculty, and specialists, the agent builds relationships, identifies local needs, and connects stakeholders with statewide expertise and research-based resources. The role helps producers address production challenges, adopt best management practices, improve farm profitability and sustainability, navigate technologies and regulations, and strengthen agricultural resilience. It serves as Penn State Extension's front-line presence in the local agricultural community. This position is funded for 12 months. Continuation beyond 12 months depends on university need, performance, and/or funding availability. The position requires extensive travel throughout the assigned county and occasional statewide travel, as well as flexible hours to support programs and community events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; previous relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of education.
No prior relevant work experience is required.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned county and occasionally statewide.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support educational programs, agricultural events, and community meetings.
Successful completion of required background checks and a motor vehicle records check.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of staff employment visas.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, or a closely related field.
Experience with livestock, crop, or diversified agricultural production systems.
Knowledge of agricultural production practices, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm management, or related subjects.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with agricultural producers, community organizations, and partner agencies.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative statewide team.
Experience using technology to support communication, educational programming, and virtual learning.

Responsibilities

Serve as Penn State Extension's county-level resource during agricultural emergencies and emerging animal or plant health issues.
Support Extension response efforts related to agricultural threats, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and other biosecurity concerns.
Assist producers with developing and implementing farm biosecurity plans and best management practices to reduce production risks.
Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, commodity organizations, conservation partners, and state and federal agencies on disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and agricultural resilience.
Promote awareness of biosecurity practices and emergency response strategies that protect Pennsylvania's livestock and poultry industries.
Help ensure producers have timely access to science-based information, technical assistance, and local expertise.
Provide general agricultural technical assistance and on-farm consultations under the guidance of Extension Educators, faculty, and specialists.
Respond to client questions with science-based recommendations, educational resources, referrals, and connections to Penn State Extension expertise.
Assist producers with production challenges, best management practices, farm profitability and sustainability, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
Help producers use Penn State agricultural analytical and diagnostic laboratory services, including sample submission and interpretation of results.
Build expertise in agricultural production systems, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm safety, and related subjects through onboarding, training, and professional development.
Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational programs on agricultural production, livestock and crop systems, biosecurity, farm management, and related topics.
Deliver programming in person, virtually, and in hybrid formats.
Organize and support workshops, field days, demonstrations, producer meetings, clinics, tours, agricultural fairs, and other Extension events.
Coordinate local delivery of statewide Extension initiatives and educational programming.
Promote Extension programs and services through community outreach and partnerships.
Represent Penn State Extension as a visible and trusted presence in the assigned county.
Develop and maintain relationships with producers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations, conservation districts, community leaders, elected officials, and partner agencies.
Participate in local agricultural meetings, community events, and industry activities to promote Extension services.
Identify emerging agricultural issues and communicate local needs to Extension leadership, Educators, and statewide program teams.
Participate in required onboarding, technical training, and continuing professional development.
Engage in statewide Extension program teams and collaborative initiatives, working with Extension Educators, faculty, specialists, and county staff.