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Penn State Job Catalog

Extension Educator – Advanced Professional (PSU0618)

Additional Levels

Job Summary

The Extension Educator develops, delivers, and evaluates educational programs that support the improvement of economic, social and cultural aspects of community; the preservation of natural resources; and dissemination of the latest research findings in one or more of the following fields: agriculture, family living, community resource development, 4-h youth development, natural resource preservation, or other public and societal issues.

Representative Duties

  • Develop and deliver science-based educational opportunities and information to youth, individuals, businesses, and community groups within an agriculture related field
  • Identify, interpret, and disseminate research findings to audiences in order to provide access to innovative, relevant, and proven solutions and information
  • Conduct needs assessments; evaluate data to identify educational opportunities
  • Design educational programs utilizing a variety of delivery systems such as presentations, workshops, seminars, conferences, meetings, camps, individual contact, mass media, and demonstrations
  • Develop and adapt educational material and programs that are culturally sensitive, relevant, and accessible to ensure that information can be understood and applied by both individuals and groups
  • Coordinate and manage meetings, events, tours, clinics, workshops, roundups, and/or shows
  • Administer external funds received from government, organizations, businesses, and individuals for the support of unit programs; obtain grants; develop revenue enhancement strategies
  • Develop, recruit, and manage volunteers to help in delivering high-quality programs and initiatives
  • Conduct applied research and author impact articles to advance the outreach mission of extension programs
  • Develop partnerships and collaborations with community cooperatives, boards, and organizations
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level Matrix

Level:
Advanced Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 10
  • Minimum – $61,800.00
  • MidPoint – $75,700.00
  • Maximum – $89,600.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Master's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements