Extension Educator (Pesticide Education Specialist)
The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking individuals to join our
nationally recognized Penn State Pesticide Education Program. As a member of
the Pesticide Education Program, the individual will be responsible for
actively working to identify important educational learning objectives, develop
numerous educational materials, and present at educational events to support
these learning objectives throughout the state. The individual will be expected
to support the program’s established deliverables, which are set by funding
partners. It is expected that the individual in the position will be able to
provide pesticide safety content directed primarily to pesticide applicators
throughout the state to accomplish three objectives: adopt application
practices that contribute to improved water quality through reduced pesticide
drift and groundwater contamination, educate applicators and consumers on
proper application, storage, and disposal of pesticides to increase food safety
when pesticides are used during the food production process, and improve
pesticide management practices to reduce human exposure.
Critical responsibilities will include creating and
developing pesticide safety presentations for statewide use by the Program and
county extension educators; presenting at numerous certification and
recertification training programs throughout the state; and managing the
process of rewriting several pesticide applicator category study materials and
creating accompanying exam question banks. The critical outcomes from this
position will include increased water quality and food safety and decreased
human exposure by providing applicators with increased knowledge to make
informed decisions about the safe and proper use of pesticides. Other
responsibilities include becoming familiar with federal and state laws and
regulations that govern pesticides; helping to develop audio-visual programs,
multimedia projects, and various printed materials; and supporting our social
media and web presence.
This job will be filled as a level 3, or level 4, depending
upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience.
Typically requires a Master’s degree or higher plus two years of related
experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a
level 3. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required
for higher level jobs. Training in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture,
Crop and Soil Sciences, or other related field and experience with a broad
knowledge of pests, pest management, and pesticide safety preferred. The
candidate is expected to have excellent presentation, writing, and
communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects
simultaneously. The individual must be able to work effectively in a team and
with diverse audiences within the state. Bilingual fluency in English and
Spanish would be beneficial, but not required.
While the successful candidate will be stationed at
University Park, he or she will be required to present programming at various
training programs, which will require significant travel during the winter
months throughout the state. In addition, travel at other times throughout the
year is expected to attend appropriate meetings throughout the state,
collaborate with others to complete contract deliverables, and participate in
professional development activities related to pesticide safety education.
Proficiency in the use of computer software packages such as Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint is required. Candidate must have the ability to carry equipment,
educational materials, and supplies with or without accommodation. The
individual must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to travel
throughout the state. Since this position requires operation a motor vehicle as
a part of the job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records
check will be required in addition to standard background checks. In addition,
a Pennsylvania Pesticide Certification in Core and Category 18 is required and
must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
The Pesticide Education Program’s overall
mission is to educate all pesticide applicators and users across the
Commonwealth about pest management alternatives, including the safe, proper,
and legal use of pesticides. The program promotes responsible decision-making,
which will protect pesticide users, public health, plant and animal health, and
the environment. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date
of hire with excellent possibility of refunding. Review of applications will
begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Apply online athttps://psu.jobs/job/94063
and https://psu.jobs/job/94058