Extension Program Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an Extension Program Specialist to support agricultural risk management programs. The role involves developing educational resources and publications while fostering collaborations with faculty and stakeholders. A Master's degree and experience in agricultural economics are required, with flexible remote and on-campus work arrangements available.

Qualifications

• Experience in agricultural economics, farm business management, and agricultural production required.
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support agricultural risk management and farm management Extension programs.
• Create and update publications for the Penn State Ag Alternative series.
• Develop enterprise budgets and design Extension programs.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Initiative

Education

Master's degree

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...\_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application\_Process\_for\_External\_Applications\_Non-Penn\_State\_Employees\_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) (https://aese.psu.edu) in the College of Agricultural Science (https://agsci.psu.edu) s at The Pennsylvania State University (https://psu.edu) is seeking candidates for an Extension Program Specialist. AESE is a welcoming community with our scholarship focusing on people society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the economic, social, and behavioral sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. AESE strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond. For more information visit our site at https://aese.psu.edu/

The successful candidate will support a comprehensive Extension program focused on agricultural risk management and farm management. This program has a broad impact across the College of Agricultural Sciences and necessitates collaboration with faculty and educators with the college and regional land-grant institutions. Primary duties involve creating and updating publications for the Penn State Ag Alternative series, developing enterprise budgets, and designing Extension programs and resources including conferences workshops, online courses, and webinars. The candidate will work both independently and with others to develop these resources. The role includes supporting research projects and offering expert advice on risk management including crop insurance and developing budgets. The candidate will effectively use different communication methods to provide education, manage inquiries and build solid connections with stakeholders and their organizations. The candidate will identify and secure external funding and in-kind support for Extension programing, assessing the suitability of funding opportunities and soliciting support where appropriate.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will be located on the University Park campus.

Education and Experience:

This position typically requires a Master's degree plus three years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience with disciplinary depth in agricultural economics, farm business management and agricultural production. Candidates must have experience that will allow them to participate in large ongoing Extension programs in agricultural risk management and farm management. Candidates must have strong written and oral skill to communicate effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, producers, and industry leaders. Success in this position necessitates a high level of individual initiative and in-person collaboration and teaching requiring overnight travel and work beyond the normal work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

A valid driver's license is required. This position requires operation of a motor vehicle as part of the job duties. A successful completion of motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Application Instructions:

Candidates should apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a cover letter curriculum vitae, two writing samples (abstract, paper, magazine article, Extension publication, thesis executive summary, etc.), names and contact information for three references and a statement that describes their interest and experience in agricultural risk management and farm management. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$51,000.00 - $74,000.00

Salary Structure (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/compensation/staff-salary-grades-and...) - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labo...)

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)

Hotlines

University Park, PA