Job Description

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded individual, with the drive to make a positive difference, an innovative spirit, technically proficient in economics or business management, and a passion for animal science, education, and research, to join the nationally recognized Penn State Extension Energy, Business & Community Vitality Unit as an Extension Educator.

Overview: On behalf of the Unit, the individual will connect livestock industry health and disease management, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with economic analysis including financial planning, business management, budgeting, partial budgeting, and decision-making through sound education and research. Educational programs and applied research activities should result in measurable improvements for livestock producers and businesses in terms of sustainable growth and profitability of Pennsylvania\xe2\x80\x99s diverse livestock sectors. Improvements will be measured in terms of positive practice changes made by stakeholders in efficiency, growth, competitiveness, innovation, and job creation.

Program & Program Leadership Responsibilities: Major responsibilities will include planning, implementing, conducting, and evaluating for impact, a broad array of educational programs for commercial livestock enterprises of any size, especially initiatives that can increase profitability, enhance farm sustainability, and advance farm-level measures to enhance food safety, quality, and biosecurity. Of particular need is assisting livestock enterprises with the financial implications associated with managing health and disease issues. In support of program planning and development, the individual will work both individually and collaboratively to conduct a 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 focusing on animal science to develop educational programs and products and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs.

The successful candidate will focus on the livestock industry in Pennsylvania and serve 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 both develop and oversee a robust and diverse external funding portfolio (e.g., grants, contracts, program revenue, development, etc.) in support of the unit programs.

Specialized Skills & Educational Requirements: The position will be filled as an Extension Educator 3 or 4, depending upon the successful candidate\'s competencies, education, and experience. At the educator three level, the position requires a minimum of a Master\xe2\x80\x99s Degree, plus two years of related experience. Preference will be given to candidates with 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 animal science, biosecurity, or livestock management.

While we are seeking disciplinary expertise in applied economics, highly competitive candidates will have a general understanding of livestock management, animal husbandry, nutrition, manure management, ventilation, and building systems, nutrient management principles, and advanced animal production practices. Experience in precision technologies, disease management, and biosecurity are favorable attributes.

Beyond degree and experience requirements, 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. Desirable experiences include teaching, facilitation, curriculum development, evaluation, grant management, project management, research, business management, or involvement in livestock production and processing. The successful candidate must be proficient in the use of modern computer software packages, such as Microsoft Office, standard financial software packages, and/or statistics software. 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 one or more 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.

Travel and Clearances: While the successful candidate will be based in Extension Area 9 (Lancaster, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, and Delaware counties), they will be part of a state team and thus expected to participate and deliver programs statewide. The home base will be in Lancaster County (Office location: 1383 Arcadia Rd #140, Lancaster, PA 17601). 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 the use of a private vehicle. As the position requires operating a motor vehicle, completion of a motor vehicle records check is required. Penn State University also requires the completion of a standard background check. The University may also require a check of publicly available clearances for those individuals who may be working with children. 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 innovation. 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.

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 .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 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 the health of our local and global communities. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to comply with COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements. Click on to learn about the requirements as well as general COVID-19 information at Penn State.

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