Pesticide education specialist - agronomy and natural resources

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 a Pesticide Education Specialist to join our nationally recognized Pesticide Education Program. As a member of the Pesticide Education Program, the individual will be responsible for identifying key educational objectives, developing educational materials, and presenting at educational events to support these 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: 1) adopt application practices that contribute to improved water quality through reduced pesticide drift and groundwater contamination, 2) 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 3) 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.
• Reviewing and revising pesticide applicator category study materials and creating accompanying exam questions. 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.
• Becoming familiar with federal and state laws and regulations that govern pesticides.
• Helping to develop audio-visual programs, multimedia projects, and various articles; and supporting our social media and web presence.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish would be highly preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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.