Pesticide Education Specialist - Agronomy and Natural Resources

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Master’s Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required

Certifications:

None

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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits…