Community Outreach Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time staff member for the Student Farm and Food Systems program to educate about sustainable food systems and strengthen local community through growing and donating foods. You will collaborate with students, faculty, and community partners to implement and evaluate programs supporting local food security and economic development.

Under supervision, you will recruit volunteers, lead farm tours, support student leaders, and deliver outreach on

Qualifications

• Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
• Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
• Relevant ability working with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.
• Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings, and lift at least 40 pounds.
• Interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred.
• Valid driver's license, own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.
• Develop and coordinate partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks and local farms.
• Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners, including produce for donation to area food banks and pantries.
• Coordinate and lead Student Farm tours for students, youth, community members and others.
• Assist and support student leaders with farm and program tasks, trainings and events, including produce donations through Food Recovery Network, the Feed the People market stand, and other local food security programs.
• Conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as food security, gardening, nutrition and healthy food access.
• Coordinate with partners to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system, such as proposing a seed saving garden and a youth gardens network.
• Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
• Drive a university vehicle.

Skills

Communication skills

Quick learner

Time management

Diversity awareness

Physical capability

Driver's license

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Student Farm and Food Systems seeks a part-time member to build capacity to 1) educate people about food system sustainability and health, and 2) strengthen the local community through growing and donating local foods. Under supervision of the program director, the staff member will work with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to implement and evaluate programs that support local food security, economic development and personal engagement with our food system.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.
• Develop and coordinate partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks and local farms.
• Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners, including produce for donation to area food banks and pantries.
• Coordinate and lead Student Farm tours for students, youth, community members and others.
• Assist and support student leaders with farm and program tasks, trainings and events, including produce donations through Food Recovery Network, the Feed the People market stand, and other local food security programs.
• Conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as food security, gardening, nutrition and healthy food access.
• Coordinate with partners to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system, such as proposing a seed saving garden and a youth gardens network.
• Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders.
• Drive a university vehicle.

Qualifications

• Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
• Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
• Relevant ability working with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.
• Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings, and lift at least 40 pounds.
• Interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred.
• Valid driver's license, own transportation.

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.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

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

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world's universities.

Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom - it's the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters - more than half a million strong - driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.

At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement.

Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.