Pesticide Education Specialist - Agronomy and Natural Resources
About The Position
Penn State Extension is seeking a Pesticide Education Specialist to join our nationally recognized Pesticide Education Program. As a member of the Pesticide Education Program, the individual will be responsible for identifying key educational objectives, developing educational materials, and presenting at educational events to support these objectives throughout the state. The individual will be expected to support the program’s established deliverables, which are set by funding partners. It is expected that the individual in the position will be able to provide pesticide safety content directed primarily to pesticide applicators throughout the state to accomplish three objectives: 1) adopt application practices that contribute to improved water quality through reduced pesticide drift and groundwater contamination, 2) educate applicators and consumers on proper application, storage, and disposal of pesticides to increase food safety when pesticides are used during the food production process, and 3) improve pesticide management practices to reduce human exposure. Critical responsibilities will include: Creating and developing pesticide safety presentations for statewide use by the Program and county extension educators; presenting at numerous certification and recertification training programs throughout the state. Reviewing and revising pesticide applicator category study materials and creating accompanying exam questions. The critical outcomes from this position will include increased water quality and food safety and decreased human exposure by providing applicators with increased knowledge to make informed decisions about the safe and proper use of pesticides. Becoming familiar with federal and state laws and regulations that govern pesticides. Helping to develop audio-visual programs, multimedia projects, and various articles; and supporting our social media and web presence.
Requirements
- Excellent presentation, writing, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- Ability to work with diverse audiences within the state
- Master's Degree
- 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
- Valid driver’s license
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Training in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or other related field
- Experience with a broad knowledge of pests, pest management, and pesticide safety
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish
Responsibilities
- Identifying key educational objectives
- Developing educational materials
- Presenting at educational events
- Supporting the program’s established deliverables
- Providing pesticide safety content directed primarily to pesticide applicators
- Creating and developing pesticide safety presentations for statewide use
- Presenting at numerous certification and recertification training programs
- Reviewing and revising pesticide applicator category study materials
- Creating accompanying exam questions
- Becoming familiar with federal and state laws and regulations that govern pesticides
- Developing audio-visual programs, multimedia projects, and various articles
- Supporting social media and web presence
Benefits
- 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
