APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Agent based within Columbia County, to expand local educational programming and technical assistance for Pennsylvania's agricultural communities. Extension Agents serve as trusted local resources, connecting agricultural producers, agribusinesses, youth, and community partners with Penn State's research, educational programs, and practical solutions that strengthen agricultural production, enhance community resilience, and support the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania agriculture.

Extension Agents increase the capacity of Penn State Extension's local service network by providing general agricultural technical assistance, on-farm consultations, educational programming, and timely responses to emerging issues. Working collaboratively with Extension Educators, faculty, and specialists, they build relationships with producers and community partners, identify local needs, and connect stakeholders with Penn State's statewide expertise and research-based resources. Extension Agents help producers address everyday production challenges, adopt best management practices, improve farm profitability and sustainability, navigate new technologies and regulations, and strengthen the resilience of Pennsylvania agriculture. Through local engagement and trusted partnerships, they serve as Penn State Extension's front-line presence within the agricultural community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Biosecurity & Agricultural Preparedness
  • Serve as Penn State Extension's county-level resource during agricultural emergencies and emerging animal or plant health issues.
  • Support Extension response efforts related to emerging agricultural threats, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other biosecurity concerns.
  • Assist producers in developing and implementing farm biosecurity plans and other best management practices that reduce production risks.
  • Collaborate with producers, veterinarians, commodity organizations, conservation partners, and state and federal agencies to promote disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and agricultural resilience.
  • Increase awareness of biosecurity practices and emergency response strategies that protect the health of Pennsylvania's livestock and poultry industries.
  • Help improve county preparedness by ensuring producers have timely access to science-based information, technical assistance, and trusted local expertise.
• Technical Assistance & On-Farm Support
  • Provide general agricultural technical assistance and on-farm consultations under the guidance of Extension Educators, faculty, and specialists.
  • Respond to client questions by providing science-based recommendations, educational resources, referrals, and connections to Penn State Extension expertise.
  • Assist producers in addressing production challenges, implementing best management practices, improving farm profitability and sustainability, and adapting to emerging technologies and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist producers in utilizing Penn State's agricultural analytical and diagnostic laboratory services, including sample submission and interpretation of results.
  • Build expertise in agricultural production systems, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm safety, and related subject areas through onboarding, training, and professional development.
• Agricultural Education & Outreach
  • Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational programs focused on agricultural production, livestock and crop systems, biosecurity, farm management, and related topics.
  • Deliver educational programming through in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
  • Organize and support workshops, field days, demonstrations, producer meetings, clinics, tours, agricultural fairs, and other Extension educational events.
  • Coordinate local delivery of statewide Extension initiatives and educational programming.
  • Promote Extension programs and services through community outreach and partnerships.
• Community Engagement
  • Serve as a visible and trusted representative of Penn State Extension within the assigned county.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with agricultural producers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations, conservation districts, community leaders, elected officials, and partner agencies.
  • Participate in local agricultural meetings, community events, and industry activities to promote Extension programs and services.
  • Identify emerging agricultural issues and communicate local needs to Extension leadership, Educators, and statewide program teams.
• Professional Development & Collaboration
  • Participate in required onboarding, technical training, and ongoing professional development.
  • Engage actively in statewide Extension program teams and collaborative initiatives.
  • Work closely with Extension Educators, faculty, specialists, and county staff to strengthen program delivery and community impact.
  • Maintain current knowledge of emerging agricultural issues, educational methods, and Penn State Extension resources.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned county and occasionally statewide.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support educational programs, agricultural events, and community meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, or a closely related field.
• Experience with livestock, crop, or diversified agricultural production systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural production practices, biosecurity, nutrient management, farm management, or related subject areas.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with agricultural producers, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative statewide team.
• Experience using technology to support communication, educational programming, and virtual learning.

Why Join Penn State Extension?

Penn State Extension connects the research, expertise, and resources of Penn State with the people and communities of Pennsylvania. As an Extension Agent, you will build trusted relationships with agricultural producers and community partners while helping solve real-world challenges that strengthen farms, families, and rural communities.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful local impact while working alongside nationally recognized Extension professionals and researchers. Your work will help expand Penn State Extension's presence across the Commonwealth, improve the sustainability and resilience of Pennsylvania agriculture, and ensure producers have access to timely, science-based education and technical assistance where they live and work.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

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.

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 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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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