Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Services Extension Programs
Management Professional Supervisory Support
Penn State Job Catalog
Extension Agent – Intermediate Professional (PSU2520)
Job Summary and Representative Duties
The Extension Agent represents Penn State Extension within agricultural communities; aims to foster relevant and impactful connections between agricultural communities and Extension resources including information, services, programming, and partnership opportunities; applies broad knowledge of agricultural production practices, issues, and trends in order to act as a consultant to producers; identifies agricultural challenges and offers support; facilitates educational and community programs. Serve as a visible and engaged brand ambassador for Penn State Extension in the community; make initial contact with agricultural community stakeholders in order to identify and pursue new partnership opportunities; advance the Extension outreach and impact mission Identify emerging agricultural issues; leverage extension resources to provide innovative solutions in response to identified community needs Demonstrate broad knowledge of agricultural production practices and serve as a champion for agriculture in the county/counties served; provide individualized support and technical assistance to agricultural producers, including making appropriate referrals to Extension resources, government programs, and human service agencies; may provide consultation in areas of expertise Serve as a resource and point of contact for the agricultural community; promote best practices and share relevant Extension information; engage agricultural partners with Extension activities Coordinate, manage, and facilitate educational programs, including meetings, events, tours, clinics, workshops, day camps, roundups, shows, and youth programs related to production agriculture and animal science; serve as Extension’s official representative on County Fair Boards; support youth programming Maintain strong knowledge of Penn State’s agricultural analytical lab and insect and plant pathogen lab, including capabilities and process, in order to promote services Join and actively participate in relevant Extension program teams and collaborate with local Extension staff to strengthen visibility and impact
Level Matrix
- 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
Salary Structure
- Comp Grade – 7
- Minimum – $46,400.00
- MidPoint – $56,800.00
- Maximum – $67,300.00