Extension Agent - Columbia County

Penn State University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State Extension in Columbia County seeks an Extension Agent to expand local educational programming and provide technical assistance to Pennsylvania's agricultural communities. This role connects producers with Penn State research and practical solutions to strengthen farm viability and community resilience.

Responsibilities include biosecurity planning, on-farm consultations, and outreach across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats to support diverse audiences and address emerging

Responsibilities

• Serve as county-level resource during agricultural emergencies and health issues.
• Support response efforts related to biosecurity threats including HPAI.
• Assist producers in developing and implementing biosecurity and best management practices.
• Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, commodity organizations, and agencies to promote disease prevention and resilience.

Job description

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Agent based within Columbia County, to expand local educational programming and technical assistance for Pennsylvania's agricultural communities. Extension Agents serve as trusted local resources, connecting agricultural producers, agribusinesses, youth, and community partners with Penn State 's research, educational programs, and practical solutions that strengthen agricultural production, enhance community resilience, and support the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania agriculture.

Extension Agents increase the capacity of Penn State Extension's local service network by providing general agricultural technical assistance, on-farm consultations, educational programming, and timely responses to emerging issues.

Key Responsibilities

Biosecurity & Agricultural Preparedness

• Serve as Penn State Extension's county-level resource during agricultural emergencies and emerging animal or plant health issues.
• Support Extension response efforts related to emerging agricultural threats, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other biosecurity concerns.
• Assist producers in developing and implementing farm biosecurity plans and other best management practices that reduce production risks.
• Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, commodity organizations, conservation partners, and state and federal agencies to promote disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and agricultural resilience.
• Increase awareness of biosecurity practices and emergency response strategies that protect the health of Pennsylvania's livestock and poultry industries.
• Help improve county preparedness by ensuring producers have timely access to science-based information, technical assistance, and trusted local expertise.

Technical Assistance & On-Farm Support

• Provide general agricultural technical assistance and on-farm consultations under the guidance of Extension Educators, faculty, and specialists.
• Respond to client questions by providing science-based recommendations, educational resources, referrals, and connections to Penn State Extension expertise.
• Assist producers in addressing production challenges, implementing best management practices, improving farm profitability and sustainability, and adapting to emerging technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist producers in utilizing Penn State's agricultural analytical and diagnostic laboratory services, including sample submission and interpretation of results.
• Build expertise in agricultural production systems, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm safety, and related subject areas through onboarding, training, and professional development.

Agricultural Education & Outreach

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational programs focused on agricultural production, livestock and crop systems, biosecurity, farm management, and related topics.
• Deliver educational programming through in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Organize and support workshops, field days, demonstrations, producer meetings, clinics, tours, agricultural fairs, and other Extension educational events.
• Coordinate local delivery of statewide Extension initiatives and educational programming.
• Promote Extension programs and services through community outreach and partnerships.

Community Engagement

• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of Penn