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Extension Educator, Food Systems and Local Foods
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Position Number: 1945427
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Food Science

Extension Educator, Food Systems and Local Foods

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded individual, with the drive to make a positive difference, an innovative spirit, technical proficiency and a passion for local foods and food system education and research, to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension - Energy, Business & Community Vitality Unit.

Overview: On behalf of the Unit, the individual will connect local issues and opportunities associated with food systems and local foods to sound education and research. Educational programs and applied research activities should result in measurable improvements for farm, food, and natural resource-based businesses, communities, governments and non-profits. Improvements will be measured in terms of positive practice changes made by stakeholders in efficiency, growth, competitiveness, policy change, innovation and job creation. Success will allow Pennsylvania businesses, communities, governments and non-profits to improve their allocation of resources, evaluate planning and development activities, assess project impacts, increase overall capacity, and enhance positive workforce investment.

Program & Program Leadership Responsibilities: The successful candidate will serve as the program area lead for current and future state projects and programs including: food trends; agritourism; agritainment; food justice and equity; food, ag and natural resource literacy; supply chain; value chain; urban agriculture; food access, community food systems and more. Based on level of experience, the individual may also provide leadership for the Food Systems and Local Foods working group program portfolio development, marketing, implementation, finances and evaluation strategy. Based on participation, market trends, needs assessment, return on investment, stakeholder and educator input and program evaluation, the individual will annually review and recommend updates to the working group program and project portfolio. To grow and support the working group, the successful candidate will be expected to both develop and oversee a robust and diverse external funding portfolio (e.g. grants, contracts, program revenue, development, etc) in support of the work group and Unit's programs.

In the role of educator the individual will enhance stakeholder relationships through personal connectedness, program relevancy and demonstrated program impact. In support of program planning and development, the individual will work both individually and collaboratively to conduct needs assessment, establish learning objectives, develop educational materials, host educational events, utilize evaluation to measure program success and develop appropriate impact documentation to illustrate the value and relevancy of quality programming. In support of educational programs, team members will work to conduct applied research relevant to target audience needs.

Specialized Skills & Educational Requirements: The position will be filled at an Extension Educator 4 or 5, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. The position requires a minimum of a master's degree, plus five years of related experience. Preference will be given to candidates with degree(s) in demography, sociology, rural sociology, geography, value chain or supply chain management, operations management, project management, marketing, business management, business administration, agricultural economics, ag business management, economic and community development or related disciplines, and those that have related work experience. Team members are expected to work closely with university faculty to develop educational programs and products and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs.

Beyond degree and experience requirements, candidates must possess effective communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal skills, and the ability to build effective working relationships. The candidate must be very organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Desirable experiences include teaching, facilitation, curriculum development, evaluation, grant management, project management, food systems, local foods, research, business or non-profit management, or involvement in food, agriculture and/or natural resources. Supervisory experience is a plus. The successful candidate must be proficient in use of modern computer software packages, such as Microsoft Office. ARC GIS, statistics software skills and/or superior Microsoft Excel are valued. Fluency in Spanish is an asset and highly encouraged.

Relational & Pedagogical Responsibilities: The successful individual must enjoy and be able to work effectively independently, or as a member of one or more program teams. Working across urban, peri-urban and rural environments, the successful candidate should demonstrate the highest-level cultural competency, sensitivity and respect. The candidate must be able to effectively work with a cross-section of all communities. Individuals must be able to build relationships and effectively communicate with diverse communities. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

To develop and conduct educational programs and applied research, the candidate should be comfortable with innovative and/or entrepreneurial team collaborations which reach across multiple stakeholders, disciplines, departments, colleges, institutions, non-governmental organizations, independent businesses and possibly state and local governments. To accomplish team and individual goals, the candidate must utilize educational tools such as online courses, videos, mobile apps, and electronic publications, in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations.

Travel and Clearances: Significant travel (including some overnight trips) may be required, as program, project and applied research activities occur at a variety of locations across the Commonwealth. As such, the job responsibilities require the candidate to possess a valid driver's license and have use of a private vehicle. As the position requires operating a motor vehicle as part of the job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records check is required, as well as, standard background checks. Additionally, the diverse program locations and materials needed for program delivery and research require the candidate to be able to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation.

Penn State Extension is an organization on the move and a leader in research and learning innovation. We welcome all applicants interested in working together to create new and innovative programs capable of making a lasting and positive difference for the residents of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Philadelphia/Extension-Educator--Food-Systems-and-Local-Foods_REQ_0000004188

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.