Farm Management Extension Educator
About The Position
The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded Farm Management Extension Educator, with the drive to make a positive difference, technical proficiency in economics or business management, and a passion for agricultural science, education, and research, to join the Penn State Extension Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Team. The Extension Educator in Farm Management develops, delivers, and evaluates research-based educational programs that strengthen the financial, operational, and strategic management capacity of agricultural producers and agribusinesses. This role supports Penn State Extension’s mission by improving economic and community outcomes through applied research, outreach education, and stakeholder engagement. The educator serves a statewide audience, leads program development, collaborates across disciplines, and demonstrates measurable program impacts using a variety of delivery methods. Educational programs and applied research activities should result in measurable improvements for agricultural producers and businesses in terms of sustainable growth and profitability of Pennsylvania’s diverse agricultural sectors. Improvements will be measured in terms of positive practice changes made by stakeholders in efficiency, growth, competitiveness, innovation, and job creation.
Requirements
- Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships
- Very organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficient in the use of modern computer software packages, such as Microsoft Office
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Use of a private vehicle
- Ability to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in standard financial software packages, and/or statistics software is preferred.
- Degree(s) in agricultural economics, economics, business administration, business, agricultural business management, finance or related disciplines, and those that have related work experience and interest in agricultural business management.
- Teaching, facilitation, curriculum development, evaluation, grant management, project management, research, business management, or involvement in agricultural production and processing.
- Superior Microsoft Excel skills
- Fluency in Spanish
Responsibilities
- Develop, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational programs in farm financial management, business planning, risk management, and strategic decision-making using diverse delivery methods.
- Conduct needs assessments, define program objectives, and evaluate outcomes to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and measurable impact.
- Translate and disseminate applied research into practical tools, educational materials, and technical assistance for producers and agribusinesses.
- Coordinate and manage educational events, workshops, and outreach activities that enhance learning and engagement.
- Build partnerships and collaborate across Extension teams and external stakeholders to address complex agricultural business challenges and expand program reach.
- Conduct applied research, report program impacts, and secure and manage external funding to support program sustainability.
- Contribute to team initiatives, professional development, and organizational goals within Penn State Extension.
- Planning, implementing, conducting, and evaluating for impact, a broad array of educational programs for commercial agricultural enterprises of any size, especially initiatives that can increase profitability, enhance farm sustainability.
- Assisting livestock and plant industry enterprises with the financial implications associated with managing health, disease, and weather-related issues.
- Conducting needs assessment, establishing learning objectives, developing educational materials, hosting educational events, utilizing evaluation to measure program success, and developing appropriate impact documentation to illustrate the value and relevancy of quality programming.
- Working closely with university faculty and other Extension units to develop educational programs and products and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs.
- Serving as a key member of the financial team with current and future state projects and programs potentially including, farm finance, enterprise budgeting, ratio analysis, federal programs, contracting, and more.
- Developing a robust and diverse external funding portfolio (e.g., grants, contracts, program revenue, development, etc.) in support of the unit programs.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
