Penn State Job Catalog

The Agricultural Education Specialist supports teaching, research, and extension activities within the University's teaching and research farm system; collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and visitors; delegates and provides direction to student workers; maintains a safe and productive environment that aligns with the college and university's mission.

• Collaborate in the planning and development of educational programs, research, and extension
• Assist with oversight of daily operations at a designated farm system location, such as Beef and Sheep, Poultry, Swine, Dairy Barns, Equine, Deer, or the Meat Laboratory
• Collaborate in the design and delivery of educational programs and hands-on learning experiences for students; support educational program marketing
• Participate in the planning, coordination, and implementation of research projects
• Coordinate the collection of research data in accordance with approved project protocol
• Mentor students participating in academic courses, projects, internships, or work-study programs
• Organize and lead tours, workshops, and other educational events for the campus community and external visitors; support extension education activities
• Promote and implement sustainable practices, such as conservation techniques and waste reduction
• Keep abreast of agricultural trends and innovations; integrate new practices and technologies into operations
• Maintain documentation and records in accordance with compliance protocols
• Implement and enforce safety protocols to protect staff, faculty, students, and visitors
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Participate in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures
• Assist with budgeting, planning and development of future programs
• May provide guest instruction for Animal Science and/or Food Science classes
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $44,628.00
• MidPoint – $54,696.00
• Maximum – $64,668.00

• Agricultural Operations
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data Collection
• Document management
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Regulatory compliance
• Research methods