Education Program Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Remote/hybrid work option

Job summary

Penn State is seeking an Education Program Specialist for the Nutrient Management Education Program (NMEP). This new role sits within the Penn State Department of Plant Science at University Park and collaborates with Penn State Extension to enhance outreach, research, and teaching.

The specialist will coordinate Act 38/49 accreditation, lead certification trainings under the State Conservation Commission contract, provide continuing education and real-time technical assistance, and liaise with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Support accreditation of Act 38 and Act 49 programs.
• Organize and instruct state-mandated certification trainings under the approved contract between Penn State and the State Conservation Commission.
• Provide continuing education training, real-time technical assistance to users, and reporting to the State Conservation Commission.
• Act as a liaison to advance state NMEP environmental goals with agencies, industry, Extension teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in development, organization, and instruction of educational outreach of the Pennsylvania Nutrient and Odor Management Plans and associated planning tools.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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 SPECIFICS

The Penn State Nutrient Management Education Program (NMEP) is hiring an Education Program Specialist. This is a new position with the NMEP.

POSITION SPECIFICS:

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 Education Program Specialist will be an integral team member of the NMEP to support accreditation of the Pennsylvania Act 38 and Act 49 programs. The employee will participate in organization and instruction of state-mandated certification trainings under the approved contract between Penn State and the State Conservation Commission of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The specialist will also provide continuing education training, real-time technical assistance to users, and reporting to the State Conservation Commission. The specialist will act as a liaison to advance state NMEP environmental goals with agencies, industry, Extension teams, and internal stakeholders. They will attend routine organizing meetings of these NMEP partners and serve on committees as needed. The individual will participate in identifying and providing solutions for complex challenges, working individually, as a team member, and as a project leader.

They will participate in development, organization, and instruction of educational outreach of the Pennsylvania Nutrient and Odor Management Plans and associated planning tools. This outreach includes leading coordination of certification programming events. As needed, this duty includes development of outreach user guides, news articles, and continuing education presentations. State regulations mandate that these planning tools be utilized by certified individuals, and it is paramount that a skilled specialist oversees scholarship of this critical program component and ensures delivery of quality products. Demand for outreach materials and education will increase and be integral to implementation of expanding programs. The specialist will work with Penn State Extension to provide crossover educational programming and continuing education.

The successful applicant must have strong agricultural and conservation foundations.

The position is supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/State Conservation Commission. While the position is in a fixed-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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (OR LOCATION):

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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.

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.

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