Program Associate - Food Safety Extension Education

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and three years of relevant professional experience, or a related Master's degree is required.
• Relevant fields include food science, food safety, public health, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education, horticulture, crop science, soil science, environmental science, food systems, rural or community development, or related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Food safety Extension education, outreach, or technical assistance experience.
• FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule Trainer certification or demonstrated knowledge and experience with the Produce Safety Rule.
• Experience developing and delivering adult education, workforce training, workshops, webinars, or professional education.
• Experience with GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, food safety plans, or other food safety management systems.
• Experience developing food safety curricula, training materials, presentations, digital learning resources, or other educational content.
• Experience translating scientific, technical, or regulatory information into accessible educational materials.
• Experience providing individual or group technical assistance to food businesses, producers, community organizations, or other clientele.
• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, universities, public health or regulatory agencies, food industry, government, or community-based organizations.
• Experience with program or project coordination, grant management or writing, and program evaluation.
• Experience with professional presentations, publications, conferences, websites, social media, or other educational communications.
• Knowledge of home-based and cottage food production, small and emerging food businesses, food processing, value-added production, or local and regional food systems.
• Experience with GAP/GHP/GMP or other food safety audit and certification programs.
• Master's degree in food science, food safety, public health, family and consumer sciences, agricultural education, food systems, or another closely related field.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, instructional, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Strong adult education, facilitation, curriculum development, and technical assistance skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to exercise initiative, solve problems, manage multiple priorities, and work independently.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clientele, colleagues, agencies, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, virtual meeting platforms, and data management systems.
• Ability to collect, manage, and evaluate program data.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively throughout Arkansas.
• Ability to work effectively in office, educational, and field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects, programs, or significant areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
  
  

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.