Extension Educator (Pesticide Education Specialist)

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an Extension Educator (Pesticide Extension Educator) trained in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or other related field to join our nationally recognized Penn State Pesticide Education Program. As a member of the Pesticide Education Program, the individual will be responsible for actively working with Penn State Extension , The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, K-12 schools, Master Gardeners, and Master Watershed Stewards, to identify important educational learning objectives, develop numerous educational materials, and present at educational events to support these learning objectives throughout the state. The individual will be expected to:

• Support the program’s established deliverables, which are set by funding partners.

• Develop original content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods such as online courses, videos, and electronic publications in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations.

• Provide pesticide safety content directed primarily to applicators, teachers, instructors, and volunteers throughout the state to share a message 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; 3) improve pesticide management practices to reduce human exposure.

Critical responsibilities will include:

• Providing in-service training on pest management and pesticide safety to agricultural science teachers, extension educators, and other instructors.

• Working with Agricultural Science teachers to improve training on pest management and pesticide safety topics for the classroom.

• Developing, updating, and promoting existing pest management and pesticide safety curriculum, online courses, and supporting materials;

• Promoting the Program through social media outlets.

• Coordinating distribution of Poison Prevention Program materials and delivery for Master Gardener volunteers.

• Assisting in the design and development of educational exhibits and supporting materials as well as attending shows.

The critical outcomes from this position will include increased water quality and food safety and decreased human exposure by providing educators and volunteers with increased knowledge to instruct others to make informed decisions about the safe and proper use of pesticides. Other responsibilities include becoming familiar with federal and state laws and regulations that govern pesticides; helping to develop audio-visual programs, multimedia projects, and various printed materials; and supporting our social media and web presence.

This is a limited term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding. This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Education and Experience:

This position will be filled as a level Intermediate Professional or Advanced Professional, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. Typical minimum requirements include a Master's degree or higher plus two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. In addition, this position requires a broad knowledge of pests, pest management, and pesticide safety. The candidate is expected to have excellent presentation, writing, and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The individual must be able to work effectively in a team and with diverse audiences within the state. Fluency in both Spanish and English is desirable but not mandatory.

While the successful candidate will be stationed at University Park, they will be required to present programming at various training programs, which will require travel during the winter months throughout the state. In addition, travel at other times throughout the year is expected to attend other appropriate meetings and events throughout the state, collaborate with others to complete contract deliverables, and participate in professional development activities related to pesticide safety education. The individual must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to travel throughout the state. Since this position requires operation of a motor vehicle as part of the job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Proficiency in the use of computer software packages such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Candidate must have the ability to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies with or without accommodation.

In addition, a Pennsylvania Pesticide Certification in Category 18 is required and must be obtained within 90 days of hire. The Pesticide Education Program’s overall mission is to educate all pesticide applicators and users across the Commonwealth about pest management alternatives, including the safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides. The program promotes responsible decision-making, which will protect pesticide users, public health, plant and animal health, and the environment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

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:

$51,000.00 - $89,600.00

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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