Extension Educator, Field and Forage Crops

Penn State University • ME

86d • $51,000 - $74,000

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 Field and Forage Crops State Team. As a member of the Field and Forage Crops 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; develop diverse, value-added crop production enterprises that contribute to economic growth; and improve 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 be a positive impact. Team members are expected to work closely with university-based research faculty in developing and conducting applied research that is relevant to the state-wide customer needs. The individual must be able to work effectively in a team and with the 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 York County (2401 Pleasant Valley Rd # 101, York, PA 17406) and 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

• Master's Degree.
• 1+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, valued in Spanish.
• Possess teaching and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and clientele.
• Organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Degree(s) in agronomy, plant science, nutrient management, agri-business or related disciplines.
• Related work experience in education or industry.
• Experience writing articles and formal reports on clientele information.
• Experience managing grants.
• Leadership experience in a group.
• Practical knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and video conferencing.

Responsibilities

• Identify important educational learning objectives.
• Develop and lead educational events to support learning objectives.
• Create original content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods.
• Provide technical support to agricultural producers.
• Promote sustainable agronomic production practices.
• Collaborate with agricultural governmental agencies and ag service providers.
• Work closely with university-based research faculty.
• Participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple Extension Program Teams.
• Develop a diverse external funding portfolio in support of the team’s programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Master's degree