Job Description
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. POSITION SPECIFICS The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to join the
Department of Food Science as a
Food Safety Extension Associate . This standing staff position will support the development and delivery of food safety education programs in collaboration with departmental faculty and county-based Extension educators. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing food safety knowledge and practices among food industry professionals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Key Responsibilities: - Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs addressing food safety and foodborne illness prevention for professionals in food production, processing, retail/food service, and consumer sectors.
- Develop and maintain a variety of educational materials including in-person training, webinars, videos, and print publications (e.g., manuals, brochures, fact sheets, posters).
- Deliver programs such as:
- Food Defense
- Introduction to HACCP
- Sanitary Transport of Animal and Human Food
- Foreign Supplier Verification
- Produce Grower Safety
- Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF)
- Food Microbiology Short Course
- Sanitation Short Course
- Fundamentals of Food Science
- Better Process Control School - Assess state and national food safety needs and trends to inform program development.
- Support strategic initiatives of the Department of Food Science and the College of Agricultural Sciences to expand food safety outreach.
- Participate in statewide events (e.g., Pennsylvania Farm Show, Ag Progress Days) and lead workshops and short courses.
- Extend outreach to diverse and underserved audiences.
- Prepare and manage content for web-based platforms including the Penn State Extension website and assist with participant registration using Salesforce and Cvent.
- Collaborate with faculty and educators to evaluate program impact and report outcomes to stakeholders.
- Assist in securing funding through grants, sponsorships, donations, and revenue-generating activities.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
Qualifications: Required:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related field.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Technological proficiency and excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
Desired:
- Preferred certifications: HACCP, PCHF, FSMA, or other food safety credentials.
- Experience in food industry training and education.
- Spanish proficiency is a plus.
- Ability to apply scientific research to practical food safety solutions.
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 $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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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