Extension Educator - Ag Conservation Assistance

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences seeks an Extension Educator trained in Agricultural Conservation Practices, Agronomy, Nutrient Management, Livestock Grazing Systems, Agricultural Engineering, or Conservation Program Delivery to join our newly formed Penn State Extension Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training. As a member of the Center's team, this position will provide education, outreach, training, coordination, and technical assistance to conservation professionals, farmers, and agricultural landowners. The position is responsible for direct on-site and remote technical assistance, outreach, and educational training for stakeholders planning and implementing agricultural best practices to ensure the health of land and water in our communities and leveraging funding and partnerships to support these practices. This position also includes agricultural literacy education and outreach to assist conservation professionals in developing successful relationships in the ag community. This is a limited-term appointment, funded for one year from date of hire, with an excellent possibility of refunding.

The individual in this position will be expected to:

• Provide on-the-job field education and technical assistance to conservation professionals, farmers, and agricultural landowners;

• Develop and present educational and technical training, demonstration projects, tours, presentations, and workshops throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to benefit agricultural landowners, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders. Topics include but are not limited to ag literacy, agricultural conservation, and administration of various ag conservation funding programs and resources;

• Work collaboratively with county conservation districts, the SCC, USDA NRCS, and other partners to support outreach and administration of ACAP and other conservation programs to accelerate the implementation of agricultural conservation practices across the Commonwealth.;

• Work collaboratively with county conservation districts, the SCC, USDA NRCS, and other partners in providing technical assistance to farmers and agricultural landowners across the Commonwealth to implement conservation practices. This will include telephone or e-mail consultations, virtual site visits, in-person visits, and developing conservation practice designs in coordination with conservation district staff and other agencies;

• Work closely with university-based research faculty in developing, conducting, and disseminating applied research relevant to agricultural conservation to further the Center's and the University's mission;

• Assist the Center's leadership by participating and assisting in collaborative grants and projects supporting the Center's education, research, and outreach mission. This position also participates in and provides expertise to workgroup meetings to guide administrative policy for the Commonwealth's ACAP and similar program;

• Develop original content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods such as online courses, videos, webinars, and electronic publications in addition to traditional print publications. Annual updating of existing training programs and materials is also expected.

Required Qualifications: This position will be filled as a level 3 or 4, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. Typical requirements include:

• A Master's degree or higher plus two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required for a level 3. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher-level jobs.

• Must work effectively on a team and with diverse populations and audiences.

• Must be proficient in computer software such as Microsoft Office 365.

• Must possess a valid driver's license, use of a private automobile, and the ability and desire to travel. Since this position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Commitment to helping ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• The candidate should demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with team members, farmers, industry representatives, government officials, and the general public. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required in English and valued in other languages.

Additional Desired Qualifications: Experience in educational program delivery and one or more of the following are favorable attributes.

• Agronomy and conservation cropping systems, including no-till, residue management, and cover crops.

• Livestock grazing systems and forage management.

• Hydrology and engineering of structural agricultural cropland practices.

• Conservation and nutrient management planning.

• Agricultural engineering associated with animal housing, heavy-use areas, and manure and feed storage runoff treatment systems.

• Ecology and restoration of streams, wetlands, and riparian zones on agricultural lands.

• Rural sociology, farmer outreach, stakeholder engagement, and conservation program delivery and management.

• Financial resources and opportunities for conservation in ag landscapes.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to generous vacation time (18 days per year; accrued 12 hours monthly), sick time (12 days a year; accrued 8 hours monthly) and paid holidays (12 per calendar year). This position can be filled as a remote position or flexible work arrangement that combines remote and in-office work at a mutually agreed upon county Extension office. Flexible work arrangements are available to optimize work/life balance. Questions about flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Applicants can obtain additional details about this position by contacting Jennifer Fetter (Interim Director of the Center for Ag Conservation Assistance Training) at [email protected].

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$34,188.00 - $79,908.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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