Extension Educator - Field and Forage Crops

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Extension Educator provides statewide leadership and subject-matter expertise as within of the Penn State Extension Agronomy and Natural Resources Unit. As a member of the Field and Forage Crops Extension Team, this position expands Penn State Extension’s capacity to deliver high-quality educational programming, provide technical support to agricultural producers, and contribute to applied research that addresses emerging agronomic challenges across Pennsylvania.

The Educator will focus on agronomic production systems, including nutrient management, sustainable cropping systems, and precision agriculture, while serving as a key resource for producers and agricultural stakeholders. The position is supported by a statewide team of Extension Educators and university faculty and utilizes both traditional and innovative technologies to deliver impactful programming. The position will be based at the Penn State Extension – Blair County Office, with service to farms in the surrounding counties and program delivery statewide.

Identify priority educational needs in collaboration with the Field and Forage Crops Extension Team. Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs related to agronomy, nutrient management, and crop production systems. Deliver programming through a variety of methods, including workshops, field days, online courses, webinars, videos, and publications. Create original, research-based educational content for diverse audiences. Support statewide program initiatives and contribute to team-based educational efforts.

Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers on agronomic practices, nutrient management, and crop production systems. Promote adoption of sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices. Support implementation of practices that improve water quality by reducing nutrient and pesticide losses. Assist producers in adopting pest management strategies that reduce environmental impact and resistance risks.

Collaborate with university-based faculty to develop and conduct applied research relevant to stakeholder needs. Participate in interdisciplinary projects across Extension program teams and external partners. Foster relationships with agricultural agencies, agribusinesses, and service providers to strengthen program impact. Communicate local and statewide needs to research and Extension teams.

Serve as a representative of Penn State Extension across the assigned region and statewide. Build and maintain relationships with agricultural producers, industry partners, and governmental agencies. Engage with diverse audiences through educational programming and outreach efforts. Identify emerging issues in agronomy and natural resource management and respond through Extension programming.

Contribute to the development of external funding through grants, contracts, and cost-recovery programs. Participate in team efforts to secure and manage program funding. Contribute to written reports, articles, and other program documentation. Provide leadership within programming teams and collaborative initiatives.

Actively participate in Extension program teams and statewide initiatives. Engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and expand technical expertise. Collaborate with Extension colleagues, faculty, and partners to enhance program effectiveness.

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Demonstrated teaching, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects. Technical & Operational Requirements:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and virtual communication platforms. Ability to develop and…