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Fri Jul 23
POSITION AVAILABLE
POSITION AVAILABLE
Program Associate, Start Farming (#32425), increasing success of beginning farmers.
Northampton County (Base), Southeast Region
Also serves all counties in the Southeast Region
Office Location: Northampton County Cooperative Extension Office
14 Gracedale Avenue
Nazareth, PA 18064
Northampton County (Base), Southeast Region
Also serves all counties in the Southeast Region
Office Location: Northampton County Cooperative Extension Office
14 Gracedale Avenue
Nazareth, PA 18064
SUMMARY OF JOB:
The goal of this program is to increase the success of beginning farmers and ranchers in the Southeast Region of Pennsylvania. Success will be measured not only by the numbers of new farms and farmers, but also by their ability to be profitable, productive, environmentally sound and engaged in their communities. Beginning farmers and ranchers in the region will be trained in production, marketing, financial management and land acquisition skills necessary for successful farm entry. See www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming for details.
The program associate will be in charge of:
Ø Outreach
Ø Evaluation
Ø Budget management
Ø Coordinating collaborators
The program associate will assist in:
Ø Exploring and establishing a new vision for beginning farmer programming in the region
Ø Curriculum development
Ø Teaching classes and field days
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific activities will correspond with current program requirements as determined by the Program Director and will include (but not be limited to):
Establish improved Penn State "Start Farming" Web site/Guide to Farming in Pennsylvania:
Research and summarize existing resources for new farmers
Research and summarize rules and regulations for farmers
Coordinate input of information by subject area from other Extension Educators
Create a list of most commonly asked questions and responses
Outreach
Design and create educational brochures and outreach materials
Expand network of recipients receiving new farmer information
Web site design and content management -- www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming
Write press releases
Education:
Compile educational packets on various topics
Coordinate and write articles for a weekly blog for new farmers posted to Web site -- www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming
Manage logistical arrangements (events, conferences, etc.)
Assist in teaching on-farm education and workshops
Grant Management:
Design program evaluation methods
Assist with grant reporting and evaluation
Follow up with prior students of workshops to evaluate program impact
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge in a related field: horticulture, agronomy, livestock, food systems, community development, etc., and three months of related work experience. Applicants should have a basic knowledge of, and commitment to food and agriculture, a strong work ethic, is detail oriented, and enjoy the challenge of working as a part of a team on a wide variety of tasks. Candidates should possess clear, effective and demonstrable oral, phone and written communication skills; strong interpersonal, organizational and record-keeping skills; problem solving, proofreading, and the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects along with strong customer service and relationship building abilities. Desired experience includes: writing formal reports, managing grants including budgets and reports, writing newsletters or blogs and press releases, coordinating and collaborating with individuals and groups, and creating brochures and outreach material. Proficiency in use of office software: Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint and Web searches necessary, with the ability to create Web pages or willingness to learn. Must have the ability to carry audio/visual equipment, educational materials and supplies up to 30 pounds and be able to travel on a daily basis. A valid driver's license is required and access to a vehicle.
COMPENSATION: This is a full-time fixed-term position funded by a grant. The grant term is two years. Compensation commensurate with experience.
TO APPLY: Applicants should visit http://psu.jobs/ to apply and for details, position #32425. Click - Job Opportunities. Click - Search Jobs. In the location pull down menu select – Eastern Part of Pennsylvania,” The closing date for applications for this position is August 26, 2010.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801, Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY. Coas/ohr 7.19.10
The goal of this program is to increase the success of beginning farmers and ranchers in the Southeast Region of Pennsylvania. Success will be measured not only by the numbers of new farms and farmers, but also by their ability to be profitable, productive, environmentally sound and engaged in their communities. Beginning farmers and ranchers in the region will be trained in production, marketing, financial management and land acquisition skills necessary for successful farm entry. See www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming for details.
The program associate will be in charge of:
Ø Outreach
Ø Evaluation
Ø Budget management
Ø Coordinating collaborators
The program associate will assist in:
Ø Exploring and establishing a new vision for beginning farmer programming in the region
Ø Curriculum development
Ø Teaching classes and field days
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific activities will correspond with current program requirements as determined by the Program Director and will include (but not be limited to):
Establish improved Penn State "Start Farming" Web site/Guide to Farming in Pennsylvania:
Research and summarize existing resources for new farmers
Research and summarize rules and regulations for farmers
Coordinate input of information by subject area from other Extension Educators
Create a list of most commonly asked questions and responses
Outreach
Design and create educational brochures and outreach materials
Expand network of recipients receiving new farmer information
Web site design and content management -- www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming
Write press releases
Education:
Compile educational packets on various topics
Coordinate and write articles for a weekly blog for new farmers posted to Web site -- www.extension.psu.edu/start-farming
Manage logistical arrangements (events, conferences, etc.)
Assist in teaching on-farm education and workshops
Grant Management:
Design program evaluation methods
Assist with grant reporting and evaluation
Follow up with prior students of workshops to evaluate program impact
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge in a related field: horticulture, agronomy, livestock, food systems, community development, etc., and three months of related work experience. Applicants should have a basic knowledge of, and commitment to food and agriculture, a strong work ethic, is detail oriented, and enjoy the challenge of working as a part of a team on a wide variety of tasks. Candidates should possess clear, effective and demonstrable oral, phone and written communication skills; strong interpersonal, organizational and record-keeping skills; problem solving, proofreading, and the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects along with strong customer service and relationship building abilities. Desired experience includes: writing formal reports, managing grants including budgets and reports, writing newsletters or blogs and press releases, coordinating and collaborating with individuals and groups, and creating brochures and outreach material. Proficiency in use of office software: Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint and Web searches necessary, with the ability to create Web pages or willingness to learn. Must have the ability to carry audio/visual equipment, educational materials and supplies up to 30 pounds and be able to travel on a daily basis. A valid driver's license is required and access to a vehicle.
COMPENSATION: This is a full-time fixed-term position funded by a grant. The grant term is two years. Compensation commensurate with experience.
TO APPLY: Applicants should visit http://psu.jobs/ to apply and for details, position #32425. Click - Job Opportunities. Click - Search Jobs. In the location pull down menu select – Eastern Part of Pennsylvania,” The closing date for applications for this position is August 26, 2010.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801, Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY. Coas/ohr 7.19.10