Extension Educator - Horticulture

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State Extension Horticulture Unit is hiring an urban agriculture professional with a passion for education and outreach to join their Vegetable and Small Fruit and Green Industry teams. The successful candidate for this position will work closely with Extension Educators and faculty to meet the needs of Pittsburgh urban farmers and community organizations.

There is a great need for research-based sustainable urban farming information and for informing city decision makers and community organizations about how to support successful food production and distribution, meet the challenge of unequal food access in urban areas, and craft agriculture and food safety policies. The individual will work closely with the Extension Program Teams (Vegetable and Small Fruit, Food Safety, Business, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development) and local organizations currently providing assistance to urban farmers, including but not limited to the Allegheny County Conservation District, PASA, Chatham University, Grow Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council to help small farms, beginning farmers, and communities meet the unique challenges of urban horticulture/ agriculture.

Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities

The successful candidate for this position will provide research-based education and outreach to Pittsburgh urban growers through a variety of methods, including:

• 30% Serving as a active member the Extension State Vegetable and Small Fruit Team
• 20% Building relationships between Penn State Extension and Pittsburgh's urban agriculture community.
• 10% Collaborating with the Allegheny County Conservation District, PASA, Chatham University, Grow Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council to develop educational programs tailored to the needs of urban growers.
• 10% Visiting Pittsburgh farms and community gardens as needed to help farmers troubleshoot pest, disease, and site problems.
• 5% Supporting urban farms in writing and updating FSMA-compliant food safety plans tailored to their scale and production system.
• 5% Providing landscape architectural support for Allegheny County Ag and watershed projects.
• 10% Leading the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of research-based, culturally relevant programs to support and enhance urban agriculture in Pittsburgh
• 10% Collaborating with University faculty and Extension Educators to deliver farm financial planning, including enterprise budgeting, cost analysis, and market-based decision-making to enhance urban farm viability and profitability.
• Developing and delivering on-site training and demonstration of sustainable production practices.
• Developing training, outreach, and educational materials for urban growers, including small, beginning, limited resource, and not-for-profit farms and community gardens

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired to Perform the Work of this Position

• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in one-on-one and group settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects
• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Team Leaders or the administrator in-charge.

A strong candidate for this position will have demonstrated experience in these areas:

• Growing vegetables and small fruit in urban environments, and particularly with urban soils.
• Writing, presenting, and teaching about horticultural science for diverse and non-academic audiences in urban settings
• Working with an urban farming individuals and communities
• Collaborating with various stakeholders including local governments, food policy councils, non-profits, and fellow Extension professionals to meet the needs of urban growers

VI. Qualifications

The candidate must have experience working in urban agriculture, an urban environment and building and maintaining community partnerships.Must possess strong organizational and communications skills (both oral and written), and computer literacy including Microsoft Office Suite.Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to a car.

There is an expectation of regular travel throughout the individual's respective geographic area.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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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 here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.

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