APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring an Extension Agent. The Extension Agent provides locally based support for horticultural production and community engagement in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. This position expands Penn State Extension’s capacity to deliver educational programming, provide farm-level technical assistance, and build strong professional networks across the Commonwealth.

The Agent will focus on plant production systems, with an emphasis on vegetable and small fruit production, soil science and organic agriculture, and will serve as a visible representative of Penn State Extension. The position is supported by a statewide network of Extension Educators and faculty and utilizes contemporary technology to deliver educational programs and technical assistance.

Responsibilities:
Community Engagement & Relationship Management

• Serve as a visible representative and brand ambassador for Penn State Extension within the local community.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agricultural producers, agribusinesses, community organizations, elected officials, and local partners.

• Attend and participate in relevant local meetings, events, and activities to promote Extension programs and services.

• Identify emerging agricultural issues and communicate local needs to Extension program teams.

• Serve as Penn State Extension’s representative on County Fair Boards, as assigned.

Program Implementation & Delivery

• Coordinate, implement, and support educational programs related to horticultural production, including meetings, workshops, clinics, tours, field days, and applied research projects.

• Support State Program Team members with local program delivery in the assigned county.

• Assist with in-person, online, and webinar-based educational programming.

• Promote Extension programs using professional networks and community partnerships.

• Support Vegetable team efforts at Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention.

Technical Assistance & Producer Support

• Respond to client inquiries by providing information, referrals, and coordination with appropriate Extension resources.

• Provide individualized technical assistance to agricultural producers under the guidance of Extension Educators and faculty.

• Maintain working knowledge of Penn State agricultural analytical services and insect and plant diagnostic laboratories, including sample submission and interpretation of results.

• Develop competency in providing support related to biosecurity, nutrient management, farm management, farm safety, and other production agriculture topics through training and supervised experience.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Participate in required training and ongoing professional development activities.

• Join and actively participate in Vegetable and Small Fruit Extension program team.

• Collaborate with local Extension staff, Educators, and faculty to enhance program effectiveness and visibility.

Youth & Cross-Program Support

• Support 4-H programming by assisting with county roundups (fair), judging and knowledge bowl teams.

• Support farm families by assisting with educational programs related to farm stress, healthy living, and food safety.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural science, or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of horticultural crop production.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

 

BACKGROUND 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 $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.

 

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.

 

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