Horticulture Crops Extension Educator - Northampton County

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Cooperative Extension is seeking an Extension Educator to provide the vegetable and small fruit industries with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess management practices that will enhance their profitability. The position will develop and deliver educational programming with a primary focus on protective culture (high tunnels and greenhouses). The individual selected will be an employee of Penn State Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.

Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation:  

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities.

• Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices and insect and disease pest management strategies.

• Deliver education information (in-person or virtual) on growing vegetables and small fruit in protected culture.

• Plan and implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet and distance learning.

• One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem solving. 

Program Management:

• Responsible for day-to-day program operations and fiscal accountability.

• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.

• Responsible for routine operations, reporting and accountability.

• Support team efforts of communication with stakeholders and partners.

• Support team efforts is planning and implementing of regional and statewide events.

Professional Improvement:

• Participate in professional development opportunities appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement. 

• Participate in related professional organizations.

Program Evaluation:

• Define and develop reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes.

• Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for enhancing these efforts. Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate. 

• Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments. 

• Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of all funding partners.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired to Perform the Work of this Position 

• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cooperative Extension.

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in one-on-one and group settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.

• Proven organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.

• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support.

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 

• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.

• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job. 

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require. 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Team Leaders or the administrator in-charge.

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. This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding. 

Qualifications 
Minimum qualifications for this position include a master’s degree and one or more years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Preference will be given to candidates who have a concentration in Horticulture and Entomology.

Two to five years of relevant experience and knowledge and/or experience in horticultural crop production is desired. Candidates who speak and write Spanish fluently to effectively communicate with diverse audiences are preferred.

Salary and educator rank will commensurate with education, training, and experience.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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

$51,000.00 - $74,000.00

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. 

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