Extension Educator

Penn State University

4d

About The Position

Penn State Cooperative Extension is seeking an Extension Educator to provide the tree fruit, vegetable, and small fruit industries with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess management practices that will enhance their profitability. The position will develop and deliver educational programming with a primary focus on the tree fruit and vegetable industries. The individual selected will be an employee of Penn State Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University. Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities: Program Development and Implementation Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities. Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices and insect and disease pest management strategies. Deliver education information (in-person or virtual) on growing tree fruit, vegetables, and small fruit. Plan and implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet and distance learning. One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem-solving. Program Management Responsible for day-to-day program operations and fiscal accountability. Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities. Responsible for routine operations, reporting and accountability. Support team efforts of communication with stakeholders and partners. Support team efforts in planning and implementing of regional and statewide events. Professional Improvement Participate in professional development opportunities appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement. Participate in related professional organizations. Program Evaluation Define and develop reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes. Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for enhancing these efforts. Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate. Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments. Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of all funding partners. Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired to Perform the Work of this Position: Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cooperative Extension. Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in one-on-one and group settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners. Proven organizational and time-management skills. Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects. Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support. Strong leadership and teamwork skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm. Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job. Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require. Through public notification and “All Reasonable Efforts,” make programs accessible to clientele without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, of veteran status. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Team Leaders or the administrator in-charge.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in one-on-one and group settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• 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
• 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

• Preference will be given to candidates who have a concentration in Horticulture and Entomology.
• Two to three years of relevant experience and knowledge and/or experience in horticultural crop production is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities.
• Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices and insect and disease pest management strategies.
• Deliver education information (in-person or virtual) on growing tree fruit, vegetables, and small fruit.
• Plan and implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet and distance learning.
• One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem-solving.
• Responsible for day-to-day program operations and fiscal accountability.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Responsible for routine operations, reporting and accountability.
• Support team efforts of communication with stakeholders and partners.
• Support team efforts in planning and implementing of regional and statewide events.
• Participate in professional development opportunities appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.
• Participate in related professional organizations.
• Define and develop reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes.
• Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for enhancing these efforts.
• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate.
• Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.
• Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of all funding partners.
• Through public notification and “All Reasonable Efforts,” make programs accessible to clientele without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, of veteran status.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Team Leaders or the administrator in-charge.

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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees