Job Details

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Penn State Extension
  • Position Number: 2017704
  • Location: Lancaster, PA
  • Position Type: Agriculture - Food Science

Extension Educator, Food Systems and Local Foods

Extension Educator 3 (Food Systems and Local Foods)

Work Unit: College of Agricultural Sciences

Department: Penn State Extension: Energy, Business & Community Vitality

Base Location: Lancaster County (co-working)

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 an extension educator 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. In support of the mission and to grow support for Extension programs, 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 the role of educator the individual will enhance stakeholder relationships, 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: This job will be filled as a level 2 or level 3, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher (Master's degree preferred) plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 2. 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. Valued, but not required, skills include ARC GIS, statistics software skills and/or superior Microsoft Excel. 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.

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: As this is a coworking position, access to off-site high-speed broadband meeting the FCC definition of broadband at an advertised (up-to) speed of at least 25/3Mbps is required. When permitted, 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/Lancaster/Extension-Educator--Food-Systems-and-Local-Foods_REQ_0000007396-1

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.





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