Business Systems Analyst

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Business Systems Analyst to support nutrient management tools. The role focuses on enhancing Excel-based planning tools and guiding migration to a web-based platform, acting as a liaison among NMEP, PAOneStop, and partners.

Candidates should have strong programming and communication skills, plus a Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong programming and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead intermediary between NMEP, PAOneStop, agency partners, and the web developer.
• Coordinate migration of planning tools to a web-based platform.
• Work independently on complex assignments within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Programming

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PAOneStop platform

Web-based planning tools

Job description

Position Overview

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Position Specs

The Penn State Nutrient Management Education Program (NMEP) is hiring a Business Systems Analyst. This is a new position with the NMEP.

The NMEP is a small team of specialist housed in the Penn State Department of Plant Science at the University Park Campus that works closely with, and is considered a part of, Penn State Extension. Current NMEP staff is very experienced with advanced skills in outreach, research, and teaching. The successful candidate is expected to possess complimentary talent that will enhance impact and future directions of the NMEP.

The primary function of the Business Systems Analyst position within the NMEP is to apply technology to monitor, maintain and update Excel-based Nutrient Management Plan (NMP), Nutrient Balance Sheet (NBS), and Manure Management Plan (MMP) tools used statewide by certified specialists and farmers to ensure compliance with agricultural water quality regulations. This will include software development and maintenance of program websites and web-based planning tools. Future NMEP plans are to migrate current NMP and NBS software planning tools to a web-based platform. The successful applicant will be expected to be a leader in this future transition. Recent implementation of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection MMP on the PAOneStop platform provides a template for this migration. The MMP PAOneStop platform was developed by a contracted external third-party web programmer, under the guidance of the Penn State PAOneStop team, who in turn, represented agency, university, and stakeholder interests. In coming years, the Business Systems Analyst will act as a lead intermediary between the NMEP, PAOneStop, agency partners, and the web developer.

Computer skills may be prioritized over agricultural experience for this position. The employee will work independently on complex and strategic assignments and participate as a team member with multi-disciplined teams. Administration of highly complex and specialized issues centered around nutrient management require ability to devise, plan, and collaborate with many partners. They will participate as NMEP representative and liaison in interagency, university/Extension, and stakeholder workgroups. They will lead projects that support coordination with multiple organizations including the Pennsylvania Dept of Ag, State Conservation Commission, DEP, PAOneStop, Extension, USDA-NRCS, university colleagues, external customers, and users of program tools. The successful applicant must have strong computer programming and communication skills. The position is supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/State Conservation Commission. While the position is in a limited term category, it should be noted that stable continuous funding of the NMEP has been in place since the 1990’s. The position is critical to support state water quality goals, especially as they pertain to agricultural pollutants.

Location

This position may have the opportunity to work remotely or a hybrid schedule.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree

1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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.