Extension Educator, Pesticide Safety (2 positions available)

About the Job

Two Extension Educator (EE) - Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) positions are available in Minnesota. The PSEE program provides statewide leadership and educational excellence. This program serves as Minnesota’s primary resource for pesticide-related safety, health, and environmental stewardship, grounded in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and occupational safety frameworks. The PSEE program is instrumental in training over 17,000 certified agricultural producers through the Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) program and more than 11,000 professional licensed commercial/noncommercial (CNC) applicators across diverse sectors, including crops, natural resources, public health, and horticulture. The program develops educational materials and presentations, provides a wide range of educational workshops, and is responsible for Minnesota’s various pesticide applicator certification categories study manuals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide statewide leadership for educational and curriculum programming.
• Responsible for the PSEE recertification or precertification program leadership and development processes.
• Develop and maintain effective regional, university and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of the programs in concert with Extension policies and guidelines.
• Utilize current and appropriate technology for educational program design, development, delivery, reporting, communication and marketing;
• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate high-quality, research and best practice based educational programs to advance pesticide-related safety, health, and environmental stewardship.
• Identify educational needs and audiences.
• Lead curriculum development and serve as a subject matter expert for other Extension educators and specialists in the area of pesticide safety.
• Plan and implement education formats and forums
• Evaluate the impact of this work and make needed changes in the future.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Develop and maintain effective stakeholder collaborations that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Participate in team meetings, on committees, and professional development opportunities.
• Actively participate in cross departmental education efforts with the Regional and Local Extension Educator teams to maximize audience reach and public value.

Scholarship

• Participate and advance in professional performance through annual performance reviews, professional plan of work and the four promotion criteria—program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, and service and engagement.
• Share findings through Extension education programming including blogs, websites, social media posts, podcasts, conferences and professional and industry meetings.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in pest management or related subject areas.
• Professional experience and/or educational specialization related to one or more of the following: extension education or other forms of adult education; communications; pest/production systems management in horticulture, agriculture or natural resources;
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills and experience;
• Strong formal and interpersonal verbal, written, social media and/or other communication skills in English.
• Able to work successfully with all audiences and colleagues;
• Able to travel to workshops across the state and region as needed with overnight stays up to a week long, have a valid MN driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and applicable insurance.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in pest management or related subject areas (agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or forestry) or associated plant or environmental sciences; or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in extension education or other forms of adult education; communications; pest/production systems management in horticulture, agriculture or natural resources.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize principles of adult education in the development of educational materials or courses.
• Ability to work independently in educational program design, development and delivery;
• Good organizational skills with the ability to conduct and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Ability to integrate researched-based and technical information from scientific and educational literature and from subject matter experts across academic disciplines, industries and professions to produce effective learner-focused educational materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a changing environment and changing work responsibilities.
• Experience using educational software and technology including webinars, internet conferencing, social media or on-line course management.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Ability to travel within Minnesota and provide in-person programming. Occasional overnight travel across Minnesota will be required an average of 6-10 times per year. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• To be reached with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting and standing, bending, twisting, and lifting and carrying 10 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force. Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, in all types of Minnesota weather conditions and environments.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About the Department

In the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR), we work with purpose to deliver research-based programming that improves lives, environments and the communities in which we live and work. We value engagement, inclusion, discovery, integrity, growth, and balance.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay Range: $72,000 - $82,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
• Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
• Position Type: P&A Staff

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.