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- 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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Extension is seeking a Pesticide Education Specialist to join our nationally recognized Pesticide Education Program. As a member of the Pesticide Education Program, the individual will be responsible for identifying key educational objectives, developing educational materials, and presenting at educational events to support these objectives throughout the state.
The individual will be expected to support the program’s established deliverables, which are set by funding partners. It is expected that the individual in the position will be able to provide pesticide safety content directed primarily to pesticide applicators throughout the state to accomplish three objectives: 1) adopt application practices that contribute to improved water quality through reduced pesticide drift and groundwater contamination, 2) educate applicators and consumers on proper application, storage, and disposal of pesticides to increase food safety when pesticides are used during the food production process, and 3) improve pesticide management practices to reduce human exposure.
Critical responsibilities will include:
Creating and developing pesticide safety presentations for statewide use by the Program and county extension educators; presenting at numerous certification and recertification training programs throughout the state.
Reviewing and revising pesticide applicator category study materials and creating accompanying exam questions. The critical outcomes from this position will include increased water quality and food safety and decreased human exposure by providing applicators with increased knowledge to make informed decisions about the safe and proper use of pesticides.
Becoming familiar with federal and state laws and regulations that govern pesticides.
Helping to develop audio-visual programs, multimedia projects, and various articles; and supporting our social media and web presence.
Required Qualifications:
The candidate is expected to have excellent presentation, writing, and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
The individual must be able to work effectively in a team and with diverse audiences within the state.
Preferred Qualifications:
Training in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or other related field and experience with a broad knowledge of pests, pest management, and pesticide safety preferred.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish would be highly preferred.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; 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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
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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Skills Required
- Master's degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent presentation, writing, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work effectively in a team and with diverse audiences
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
- Successful completion of required university background checks
- Authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
- Training in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, crop and soil sciences, or a related field
- Broad knowledge of pests, pest management, and pesticide safety
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
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What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
