Extension Educator, Food Safety

Apply online by September 2, 2024, through the U of M Extension careers page: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job ID: 363951

Applications within Indeed will not be reviewed.

Required Qualifications (to be documented on application materials):

• Master’s degree at time of appointment; degree in food science, nutrition, food safety, and/or food technology.
• At least one year of post- Masters degree work experience in food science, food production or processing, and/or food service.
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Experience using technology in an educational programming setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that can be tailored to a specific audience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage project timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel to state-wide events to provide in-person programming and participate in professional development.
• Ability to work on a computer for long periods of time.
• Working ability to perform tasks that involve prolonged sitting, standing, bending, and/or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds of force; lifting and/or carrying 20 pounds frequently. These tasks may be performed both indoors and outdoors and susceptible to typical weather elements.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years of professional experience, including the graduate study period, in a field related to food safety.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating educational programs in or related to food safety.
• Experience in strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct a needs assessment, or similar process, for identifying the gaps or priorities of appropriate audiences.
• Certifications in: Safe Food Handler Certified Food Protection Manager, Certified HACCP Principles for Food Processors and Manufacturers, and/or Preventive Controls Qualified Individual.

Working Title: Extension Educator, Food Safety

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A

Location: Extension Regional Office - Specific location will be determined at offer

Extension Area: Department for Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Salary Range: Estimated annual starting salary $59,000-$68,000; Commensurate with education and experience.

Application Deadline: September 2, 2024

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Educator is an integral part of the Food Systems Team working with a wide Extension audience on educational topics such as cottage food production, safe food handling practices, emerging food safety issues, and the reduction of risk factors associated with foodborne illnesses. The audience includes food entrepreneurs, such as registered cottage food producers, and those selling foods through the product of the farm licensing exemption; food establishments, such as farmers’ markets; consumers; and the agencies and organizations that support Minnesota's statewide food industry and system. Registered cottage food producers are a key audience, especially as Minnesota’s cottage food industry continues to grow. Since 2017 the number of newly registered cottage food producers has increased by 40% each year. Additionally, interest in product of the farm processing is increasing in part due to growing support of local food purchasing by institutions.

The Extension Educator will employ appropriate educational program delivery systems including in-person workshops and presentations, online or virtual technology-based teaching methods for non-credit courses, training courses for state required food business registration and certification, and train-the-trainer approaches to educate those audiences participating in Minnesota’s food system. The Extension Educator is responsible for program development and delivery in cooperation with other food systems team members, campus-based faculty, and partners in the food system and state agencies.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion, use of scholarly scientific research, effective partnership development, use of technology, and continuing professional development are important to successful job performance. This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Food Systems for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions.

LOCATION OF POSITION

The position will be housed at a University of Minnesota facility, such as an Extension Regional Office. The position will concentrate on food safety education and programming across the state of Minnesota.

TRAVEL

This person will travel overnight to locations across Minnesota approximately 1-3 nights per month in addition to day trips approximately 3-5 times per month. Travel will fluctuate throughout the year.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Develop and deliver high quality, outcome-focused, research based Extension educational programs for all appropriate audiences. This will include state-wide programming such as, in person workshops, online classes, presentations at professional conferences, newsletters, website articles, and other related educational materials.
• Expand and maintain existing Extension courses, programs and materials.
• Conduct market research, design, develop, deliver, promote, and evaluate educational programs appropriate to their audiences.
• Work with and develop programs for new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences, making sure that programs are customized to the needs of different cultural communities.
• Develop and maintain effective state, regional, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• The ability to work independently, as well as in a team, to develop and deliver statewide educational programming.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work environment with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Use appropriate technology for communication, program design, program delivery, and reporting.
• Obtain relevant certifications, such as Better Process Control School and Certified Food Protection Manager.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

• Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
• Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
• University of Minnesota appointment and benefits; job code 9623 P&A classification. Benefits information: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U-M
• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated starting salary is $59,000-$68,000 and will be negotiated at time of offer.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and your interest in the position
• Resume/Vitae that documents your experience and qualifications for the position
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
• Personalized views and experiences
• Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
• If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
• Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Amy Johnston, Regional Extension Educator, Food Safety, ajohn23@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $59,000 - $68,000