Education Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University
Education Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University
Land-grant university in University Park, PA
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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State Nutrient Management Education Program (NMEP) is hiring an Education Program Specialist. This is a new position with the NMEP.
POSITION SPECIFICS:
The NMEP is a small team of specialist housed in the Penn State Department of Plant Science at the University Park Campus that works closely with, and is considered a part of, Penn State Extension. Current NMEP staff is very experienced with advanced skills in outreach, research, and teaching. The successful candidate is expected to possess complimentary talent that will enhance impact and future directions of the NMEP.
The primary function of the Education Program Specialist position within the NMEP is to apply technology to monitor, maintain and update Excel-based Nutrient Management Plan (NMP), Nutrient Balance Sheet (NBS), and Manure Management Plan (MMP) tools used statewide by certified specialists and farmers to ensure compliance with agricultural water quality regulations. This will include software development and maintenance of program websites and web-based planning tools.
Future NMEP plans are to migrate current NMP and NBS software planning tools to a web-based platform. The successful applicant will be expected to be a leader in this future transition. Recent implementation of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection MMP on the PAOneStop platform provides a template for this migration. The MMP PAOneStop platform was developed by a contracted external third-party web programmer, under the guidance of the Penn State PAOneStop team, who in turn, represented agency, university, and stakeholder interests. In coming years, the Education Program Specialist will act as a lead intermediary between the NMEP, PAOneStop, agency partners, and the web developer. Computer skills may be prioritized over agricultural experience for this position.
The employee will work independently on complex and strategic assignments and participate as a team member with multi-disciplined teams. Administration of highly complex and specialized issues centered around nutrient management require ability to devise, plan, and collaborate with many partners. They will participate as NMEP representative and liaison in interagency, university/Extension, and stakeholder workgroups. They will lead projects that support coordination with multiple organizations including the Pennsylvania Dept of Ag, State Conservation Commission, DEP, PAOneStop, Extension, USDA-NRCS, university colleagues, external customers, and users of program tools.
The successful applicant must have strong computer programming and communication skills.
The position is supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/State Conservation Commission. While the position is in a limited term category, it should be noted that stable continuous funding of the NMEP has been in place since the 1990’s. The position is critical to support state water quality goals, especially as they pertain to agricultural pollutants.
LOCATION:
This position may have the opportunity to work remotely or a hybrid schedule.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
NoneBACKGROUND 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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.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.Land-grant university in University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University is a multi-campus, land-grant public research university whose mission spans undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service.
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