Lancaster County Agricultural Extension Specialist

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; Sur place; USD 45 000 - 65 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Tuition discount (75%)

Benefits package

Résumé du poste

Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Agent based in Lancaster County to expand local educational programming and provide technical assistance to Pennsylvania's agricultural communities. You will work with producers, educators, and partners to strengthen farms, communities, and the rural economy.

Responsibilities include biosecurity, on-farm support, and outreach across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned county and occasionally statewide.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support educational programs, agricultural events, and community meetings.
• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, or closely related field.
• Experience with livestock, crop, or diversified agricultural production systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural production practices, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm management, or related subject areas.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with agricultural producers, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsabilités

• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of Penn State Extension within the assigned county.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with agricultural producers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations, conservation districts, community leaders, elected officials, and partner agencies.
• Participate in local agricultural meetings, community events, and industry activities to promote Extension programs and services.
• Identify emerging agricultural issues and communicate local needs to Extension leadership, Educators, and statewide program teams.
• Participate in required onboarding, technical training, and ongoing professional development.
• Engage actively in statewide Extension program teams and collaborative initiatives.
• Work closely with Extension Educators, faculty, specialists, and county staff to strengthen program delivery and community impact.
• Maintain current knowledge of emerging agricultural issues, educational methods, and Penn State Extension resources.

Connaissances

Driver's license

Travel ability

Flexible schedule

Formation

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, or closely related field

Description du poste

Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Agent based in Lancaster County to expand local educational programming and provide technical assistance to Pennsylvania's agricultural communities. You will work with producers, educators, and partners to strengthen farms, communities, and the rural economy.

Responsibilities include biosecurity, on-farm support, and outreach across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.