High Obesity Program (HOP) Physical Activity Area Specialist CS9628

Oklahoma State University; Muskogee (OK); On-site; USD 56,040 - 84,060; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University is hiring a full-time Physical Activity Area Specialist to enhance community health via built-environment strategies. This role involves collaboration with diverse sectors, conducting assessments, and leading initiatives to promote activity-friendly environments across ten counties.

The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree in Public Health or related fields, alongside experience in community health initiatives. This position is supported by a grant, with expected travel across the state.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree must be conferred before start date.
• Experience in community health or planning required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of activity-friendly community strategies.
• Collaborate with public health and local government sectors.
• Assist in data collection and community access assessments.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

GIS/mapping

Public health initiatives

Education

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mapping tools

Job description

Campus: OSU–Stillwater | Contact: Nancy Johnson, [e-mail]

Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment length: Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice.

Hiring range: $56,040–$84,060, commensurate with education and experience.

About This Position

OSU Extension’s Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) aim to educate and empower limited-resource families and youth to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors. CNEP includes the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‑Ed), known as the Oklahoma Nutrition Education (ONE) program in Oklahoma. Our nutrition lessons focus on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security, and food resource management. Our Nutrition Education Assistants (NEAs) provide research-based, hands‑on learning experiences for families and youth at no cost.

The Position

OSU Extension is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to support a CDC federally funded High Obesity Program initiative. The program focuses on policy, system, and environmental approaches to improve access to healthy foods, safe and accessible places for physical activity, and fostering healthy community environments. The position works collaboratively with Extension educators, community organizations, and other partners to implement, evaluate, and sustain evidence‑based strategies that advance public health outcomes in ten counties with high adult obesity rates.

The HOP Physical Activity Area Specialist is a full‑time, 12‑month position funded through a five‑year grant (Year 3, 2025‑2026). Continuation beyond the current funding period depends on annual renewal of funds, program needs, and satisfactory performance.

This role reports to the Project Director and Principal Investigator in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at OSU. The Physical Activity Area Specialist partners with Cooperative Extension, public health, planning, parks & recreation, transportation, and local government stakeholders to plan, implement, evaluate, and support evidence‑based community design strategies that foster activity‑friendly environments across all ten HOP‑eligible counties. Daily in‑state travel is expected; some out‑of‑state travel may be required for professional meetings and is reimbursed in accordance with OSU travel guidelines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of built‑environment strategies aligned with CDC’s guidance to create activity‑friendly communities; improve pedestrian infrastructure, expand bicycle networks, promote mixed‑use development, and support policy adoption such as Complete Streets and Safe Routes initiatives.
• Collaborate across sectors (public health, transportation, planning, parks/recreation, local government, and schools) to coordinate active‑living initiatives and develop memoranda of understanding that strengthen partnerships.
• Provide technical assistance, workshops, and training for community partners on activity‑friendly design, walk audits, planning, and evaluation; support integration of health metrics into transportation and planning processes.
• Work with planning agencies, transportation departments, and local officials to integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and green‑space elements into comprehensive plans, zoning codes, and land‑use policies.
• Assist in data collection, infrastructure assessments, walkability and bikeability audits, and mapping community access to physical‑activity opportunities; monitor changes over time to measure progress.
• Engage in frequent travel to meet with local partners, attend planning and coalition meetings, conduct site visits, and provide on‑site technical assistance and facilitation.
• Maintain accurate program and fiscal records, assist with grant reporting, and contribute to sustainability and continuation proposals.
• Represent OSU Extension and the active‑living initiative at community events, conferences, and coalition meetings to promote awareness and support for activity‑friendly community design.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Community Health, Kinesiology, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred before start date).
• Experience in community health, planning, built environment, or active‑living initiatives.
• Familiarity with public sector planning, transportation, parks/recreation, or municipal systems.
• Strong project‑management, facilitation, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for official travel; travel reimbursement available.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of professional experience implementing built‑environment, active‑living, or infrastructure projects.
• Experience working in multi‑county or rural settings.
• Experience with grant‑funded or extension‑based public health initiatives.
• Proficiency with GIS/mapping, infrastructure audits, and evaluation methods.
• Skill in Microsoft Office, mapping tools, and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).