Food Safety Extension Associate

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

12d

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to join the Department of Food Science as a Food Safety Extension Associate . This standing staff position will support the development and delivery of food safety education programs in collaboration with departmental faculty and county-based Extension educators. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing food safety knowledge and practices among food industry professionals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Technological proficiency and excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred certifications: HACCP, PCHF, FSMA, or other food safety credentials.
• Experience in food industry training and education.
• Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to apply scientific research to practical food safety solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing food safety and foodborne illness prevention for professionals in food production, processing, retail/food service, and consumer sectors.
• Develop and maintain a variety of educational materials including in-person training, webinars, videos, and print publications (e.g., manuals, brochures, fact sheets, posters).
• Deliver programs such as: - Food Defense - Introduction to HACCP - Sanitary Transport of Animal and Human Food - Foreign Supplier Verification - Produce Grower Safety - Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) - Food Microbiology Short Course - Sanitation Short Course - Fundamentals of Food Science - Better Process Control School
• Assess state and national food safety needs and trends to inform program development.
• Support strategic initiatives of the Department of Food Science and the College of Agricultural Sciences to expand food safety outreach.
• Participate in statewide events (e.g., Pennsylvania Farm Show, Ag Progress Days) and lead workshops and short courses.
• Extend outreach to diverse and underserved audiences.
• Prepare and manage content for web-based platforms including the Penn State Extension website and assist with participant registration using Salesforce and Cvent.
• Collaborate with faculty and educators to evaluate program impact and report outcomes to stakeholders.
• Assist in securing funding through grants, sponsorships, donations, and revenue-generating activities.

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