Farm Management Extension Educator

The Pennsylvania State University; Altoona (PA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University, through Penn State Extension, seeks an entrepreneurial Farm Management Extension Educator to lead programs on farm financial management and strategic decision-making. The role serves a statewide audience and collaborates across disciplines to drive measurable improvements.

Based in western Pennsylvania with flexible work options, the educator will develop, deliver, and evaluate research-based programs that strengthen profitability, sustainability, and community

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships.
• Experience in program development, delivery, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and financial/statistical software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs in farm financial management and strategic decision-making.
• Conduct needs assessments, define objectives, and measure outcomes for impact.
• Translate applied research into practical tools and educational materials for producers.
• Coordinate events, workshops, and outreach activities to enhance learning and engagement.
• Build partnerships across Extension teams and external stakeholders to expand reach.
• Secure and manage external funding to support program sustainability.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

Master's Degree in agricultural economics

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial software

Statistics software

Job description

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded Farm Management Extension Educator, with the drive to make a positive difference, technical proficiency in economics or business management, and a passion for agricultural science, education, and research, to join the Penn State Extension Business, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Team.

Overview:

The Extension Educator in Farm Management develops, delivers, and evaluates research-based educational programs that strengthen the financial, operational, and strategic management capacity of agricultural producers and agribusinesses. This role supports Penn State Extension's mission by improving economic and community outcomes through applied research, outreach education, and stakeholder engagement. The educator serves a statewide audience, leads program development, collaborates across disciplines, and demonstrates measurable program impacts using a variety of delivery methods. Educational programs and applied research activities should result in measurable improvements for agricultural producers and businesses in terms of sustainable growth and profitability of Pennsylvania's diverse agricultural sectors. Improvements will be measured in terms of positive practice changes made by stakeholders in efficiency, growth, competitiveness, innovation, and job creation.

Key Job Duties:

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational programs in farm financial management, business planning, risk management, and strategic decision-making using diverse delivery methods.
• Conduct needs assessments, define program objectives, and evaluate outcomes to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and measurable impact.
• Translate and disseminate applied research into practical tools, educational materials, and technical assistance for producers and agribusinesses.
• Coordinate and manage educational events, workshops, and outreach activities that enhance learning and engagement.
• Build partnerships and collaborate across Extension teams and external stakeholders to address complex agricultural business challenges and expand program reach.
• Conduct applied research, report program impacts, and secure and manage external funding to support program sustainability.
• Contribute to team initiatives, professional development, and organizational goals within Penn State Extension.

Program & Program Leadership Responsibilities:

Major responsibilities will include planning, implementing, conducting, and evaluating for impact, a broad array of educational programs for commercial agricultural enterprises of any size, especially initiatives that can increase profitability, enhance farm sustainability. Of particular need is assisting livestock and plant industry enterprises with the financial implications associated with managing health, disease, and weather-related issues. In support of program planning and development, the individual will work both individually and collaboratively across teams to conduct needs assessment, establish learning objectives, develop educational materials, host educational events, utilize evaluation to measure program success, and develop appropriate impact documentation to illustrate the value and relevancy of quality programming. Team members are expected to work closely with university faculty and other Extension units to develop educational programs and products and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs.

The successful candidate serves as a key member of the financial team with current and future state projects and programs potentially including, farm finance, enterprise budgeting, ratio analysis, federal programs, contracting, and more. To grow and support the unit, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust and diverse external funding portfolio (e.g., grants, contracts, program revenue, development, etc.) in support of the unit programs.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Candidates must possess effective communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal skills, and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• The candidate must be very organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• The successful candidate must be proficient in the use of modern computer software packages, such as Microsoft Office, proficiency in standard financial software packages, and/or statistics software is preferred.

Preferred:

• Degree(s) in agricultural economics, economics, business administration, business, agricultural business management, finance or related disciplines, and those that have related work experience and interest in agricultural business management.
• Desirable experiences include teaching, facilitation, curriculum development, evaluation, grant management, project management, research, business management, or involvement in agricultural production and processing.
• Superior Microsoft Excel skills and fluency in Spanish are a plus and highly encouraged.

Relational & Pedagogical Responsibilities:

The successful individual will work both independently, and across multiple program teams. Successful educators must engage effectively with diverse and underserved audiences across the Commonwealth. To develop and conduct educational programs and applied research, the candidate should be comfortable with innovative and/or entrepreneurial team collaborations that reach across multiple stakeholders, disciplines, departments, colleges, institutions, non-governmental organizations, independent businesses, and possibly state and local governments. To accomplish team and individual goals, the candidate must utilize educational tools such as online courses, videos, mobile apps, and electronic publications, in addition to traditional publications and in-person presentations.

Location and Travel:

While the successful candidate will be based western Pennsylvania, they will be part of a state team and thus expected to participate and deliver programs statewide. The home base will be based in a western PA county Extension office with a flexible work agreement allowing the educator to work from home for a portion of their week. The specific county office will be discussed with the successful candidate to determine a mutually agreeable location. Travel (including some overnight trips) may be required, as program, project, and applied research activities may occur at various locations across the Commonwealth. As such, the job responsibilities require the candidate to possess a valid driver's license and have use of a private vehicle. The diverse program locations and materials needed for program delivery and potential research require the candidate to be able to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation.

Penn State Extension is an organization on the move and a leader in research and engaged learning. We welcome all applicants interested in working together to create new and innovative programs capable of making a lasting and positive difference for the residents of Pennsylvania and beyond.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Extension Educator - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Master's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Extension Educator - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 $44,628.00 - $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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