Extension Program Specialist

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University 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:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: