Extension Educator - Field and Forage Crops

The Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Penn State Extension invites applications for the Extension Educator position in the Agronomy and Natural Resources Unit. The role provides statewide leadership, subject-matter expertise, and support to agricultural producers through education, outreach, and applied research.

Responsibilities include developing and delivering education on agronomy and nutrient management, providing technical assistance, collaborating with university faculty, and seeking

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated teaching, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify priority educational needs and develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs related to agronomy, nutrient management, and crop production systems.
• Deliver programming through workshops, field days, online courses, webinars, videos, and publications.
• Create original, research-based educational content for diverse audiences.
• Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers on agronomic practices and nutrient management.
• Promote sustainable, economically viable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact.

Skills

Strong communication

Teaching

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree

1+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Video conferencing

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Extension Educator provides statewide leadership and subject-matter expertise as within of the Penn State Extension Agronomy and Natural Resources Unit. As a member of the Field and Forage Crops Extension Team, this position expands Penn State Extension’s capacity to deliver high-quality educational programming, provide technical support to agricultural producers, and contribute to applied research that addresses emerging agronomic challenges across Pennsylvania.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development & Delivery: Identify priority educational needs in collaboration with the Field and Forage Crops Extension Team. Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs related to agronomy, nutrient management, and crop production systems. Deliver programming through a variety of methods, including workshops, field days, online courses, webinars, videos, and publications. Create original, research-based educational content for diverse audiences. Support statewide program initiatives and contribute to team-based educational efforts.

Technical Assistance & Producer Support: Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers on agronomic practices, nutrient management, and crop production systems. Promote adoption of sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices. Support implementation of practices that improve water quality by reducing nutrient and pesticide losses. Assist producers in adopting pest management strategies that reduce environmental impact and resistance risks.

Applied Research & Collaboration: Collaborate with university-based faculty to develop and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs. Participate in interdisciplinary projects across Extension program teams and external partners. Foster relationships with agricultural agencies, agribusinesses, and service providers to strengthen program impact. Communicate local and statewide needs to research and Extension teams.

Community Engagement & Relationship Management: Serve as a representative of Penn State Extension across the assigned region and statewide. Build and maintain relationships with agricultural producers, industry partners, and governmental agencies. Engage with diverse audiences through educational programming and outreach efforts. Identify emerging issues in agronomy and natural resource management and respond through Extension programming.

Program Funding & Professional Contribution: Contribute to the development of external funding through grants, contracts, and cost-recovery programs. Participate in team efforts to secure and manage program funding. Contribute to written reports, articles, and other program documentation. Provide leadership within programming teams and collaborative initiatives.

Professional Development & Collaboration: Actively participate in Extension program teams and statewide initiatives. Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and expand technical expertise. Collaborate with Extension colleagues, faculty, and partners to enhance program effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Demonstrated teaching, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Technical & Operational Requirements: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and virtual communication platforms. Ability to develop and deliver digital and in-person educational programming. Ability to travel frequently and work across multiple counties. Ability to lift and transport educational materials and equipment, with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher in agronomy, plant science, nutrient management, agri-business, or a related field. Experience in agricultural education, Extension, or the agricultural industry. Spanish language proficiency (written and verbal). Experience developing educational materials, publications, or digital content. Experience with grants, applied research, or program leadership.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master’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.

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.

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We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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