Program Associate - Food Safety Extension Education

Uasys; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture seeks a Program Associate in Food Safety Extension Education to deliver statewide education, outreach, and technical assistance on FSMA Produce Safety Rule and related food systems topics. You will translate complex scientific and regulatory information into practical guidance for farmers, home-based producers, and small businesses.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Extension faculty, county agents, and regulatory partners to identify needs,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and three years of relevant professional experience, or a related Master's degree is required.
• Relevant fields include food science, food safety, public health, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education, horticulture, crop science, soil science, environmental science, food systems, rural or community development, or related disciplines.
• Experience with FSMA and food safety education is preferred.
• Food safety Extension education, outreach, or technical assistance experience.
• FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule Trainer certification or demonstrated knowledge and experience with the Produce Safety Rule.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, promote, and deliver FSMA Produce Safety Rule trainings and workshops.
• Develop and deliver food safety Extension education for farmers and food businesses.
• Provide technical assistance on food safety practices and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with partners to expand food safety programming in Arkansas.
• Coordinate project activities, data collection, evaluation, and reporting.

Skills

Strong communication

Adult education

Curriculum development

Project management

Time management

Data management systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data management systems

Virtual meeting platforms

Job description

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is seeking a Program Associate in Food Safety Extension Education to provide statewide education, outreach, technical assistance, and program coordination related to food safety and food systems. This position will support Extension programming focused on the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, food safety education, small and emerging food businesses, home-based and cottage food production, food processing, and local and regional food systems. The Program Associate will work with a diverse range of clientele, including farmers, food entrepreneurs, home-based and cottage food businesses, small food manufacturers, community organizations, county extension agents, and other food system stakeholders. A primary responsibility of the position will be to translate food safety science, regulations, and best practices into practical, accessible education and technical assistance. The Program Associate will help clientele understand food safety requirements, implement appropriate practices, and identify resources to support safe food production and business development. The position will work collaboratively with Extension faculty, county agents, state and federal agencies, regulatory partners, industry, and community organizations to identify food safety education needs and develop effective programming. The position will also assist with program evaluation, grant activities, outreach, curriculum development, and project coordination. Additional responsibilities may include providing education and technical assistance to home-based, cottage food, small‑scale, and emerging food businesses, including food safety practices, regulatory requirements, product development, processing, labeling, sanitation, and preparation for transitioning from home-based production to commercial food manufacturing, as appropriate to the position and available funding. Additional responsibilities may also include support for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audit education and technical assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, promote, and deliver FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Trainings, food safety workshops, webinars, conferences, and other Extension programs.
• Develop and deliver food safety Extension education and technical assistance for farmers, food businesses, Extension personnel, and community stakeholders, including home-based, cottage food, small‑scale, and emerging food businesses.
• Provide technical assistance related to food safety practices, regulations, food handling, sanitation, processing, labeling, and food safety systems, including GMPs, HACCP, and food safety plans.
• Develop practical, audience-focused curricula, presentations, fact sheets, guides, digital resources, and other educational materials that translate scientific and regulatory information into actionable guidance.
• Collaborate with county Extension agents, faculty, regulatory agencies, industry, community organizations, and other partners to identify needs and expand food safety programming throughout Arkansas.
• Coordinate project activities, timelines, communications, deliverables, participant recruitment, data collection, evaluation, reporting, and grant documentation.
• Support program outreach through presentations, conferences, professional communications, websites, social media, and other appropriate channels.
• Maintain current knowledge of food safety regulations, Extension education methods, food processing, and emerging food safety issues.
• Represent the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service at professional meetings, trainings, conferences, and other events.
• Travel throughout Arkansas and occasionally out of state for training, technical assistance, meetings, and other program activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Food Safety and Food Systems Extension programming.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and three years of relevant professional experience, or a related Master's degree is required.
• Relevant fields include food science, food safety, public health, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education, horticulture, crop science, soil science, environmental science, food systems, rural or community development, or related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food safety Extension education, outreach, or technical assistance experience.
• FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule Trainer certification or demonstrated knowledge and experience with the Produce Safety Rule.
• Experience developing and delivering adult education, workforce training, workshops, webinars, or professional education.
• Experience with GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, food safety plans, or other food safety management systems.
• Experience developing food safety curricula, training materials, presentations, digital learning resources, or other educational content.
• Experience translating scientific, technical, or regulatory information into accessible educational materials.
• Experience providing individual or group technical assistance to food businesses, producers, community organizations, or other clientele.
• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, universities, public health or regulatory agencies, food industry, government, or community-based organizations.
• Experience with program or project coordination, grant management or writing, and program evaluation.
• Experience with professional presentations, publications, conferences, websites, social media, or other educational communications.
• Knowledge of home-based and cottage food production, small and emerging food businesses, food processing, value-added production, or local and regional food systems.
• Experience with GAP/GHP/GMP or other food safety audit and certification programs.
• Master’s degree in food science, food safety, public health, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education, food systems, or another closely related field.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, instructional, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Strong adult education, facilitation, curriculum development, and technical assistance skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to exercise initiative, solve problems, manage multiple priorities, and work independently.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clientele, colleagues, agencies, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, virtual meeting platforms, and data management systems.
• Ability to collect, manage, and evaluate program data.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout Arkansas.
• Ability to work effectively in office, educational, and field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects, programs, or significant areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Additional Information

Salary Information Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Physical Activity

Constant Physical Activity: Hearing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity: Driving, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Occasional Physical Activity: Pulling

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Institution Name

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

Department

Horticulture * Associate Professor

Department's Website

uada.edu