Extension Agent II, Food and Produce Safety

Pay Grade: 30E

Context of Job:

Cooperative Extension is an informal, educational, nationwide network that combines the expertise and resources of federal, state and local governments to improve people's lives. For over a century, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has made a difference in the First State by providing quality educational programming to individuals and communities, based on university research and aimed at meeting the expressed needs of our constituents. The outreach arm of USDA and the American land-grant university system, Cooperative Extension takes the University to the people with programming that includes food safety; nutrition, health and well-being; water quality; 4-H and youth development; sustainable agriculture; natural resources and environmental management; agricultural competitiveness and profitability; home gardening; family development and resource management; leadership and volunteer development; and personal safety-on the road, in the home and on the farm, and much more.

The Extension Agent II for Food and Produce Safety will provide statewide educational programs, resources, and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and communities to promote safe food handling, preparation, and storage practices. This role supports public health by reducing foodborne illness risks and ensuring compliance with state and federal food safety regulations. This position will support the fruit and vegetable industry in support of FDA Produce Safety Rule training, farm visits, audit preparation, cleaning and sanitation education, and food safety research needs. This position should expand the role of University of Delaware Cooperative Extension in shaping regional and statewide priorities related to food safety and produce safety. Additionally, this position will take a One Health approach to food safety, emphasizing the connections among human, animal, and environmental health to identify solutions to existing and future challenges while exploring novel collaborations within the University and beyond.

Major Responsibilities:
• Meet the needs of Delaware and Delmarva fruit and vegetable producers by conducting relevant training and educational activities.
• Develop programming in produce safety, consumer food safety, industry food safety, food security, and product recall/traceback.
• Serve as a regional point of contact for produce food safety.
• Secure funding through grants and collaborations with state and federal agencies.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to students and stakeholders and engage relevant partners.
• Lead educational outreach programs, manage program components, and develop and implement strategic initiatives related to food safety.
• Collaborate with the Agriculture Extension team on interdisciplinary workshops, field demonstrations, and related activities.
• Develop and deliver issue-specific worker health and safety training.
• Collaborate with the Health and Well-Being Team to support consumer food safety education and outreach.
• Network with national and regional Extension professionals in food safety through professional development, committees, and councils.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree plus four years’ experience or Master’s plus two; in agriculture-related sciences including plant science, food science, horticulture, and agronomics or related experience in Extension teaching and research.
• Experience working with growers and farmers directly
• Knowledge of food safety principles
• Knowledge of Extension and adult education methods
• Excellent organizational, management, and human relation skills
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to effectively motivate and teach individuals and groups of a variety of audiences and educational levels
• Ability to work and lead other professionals in programming
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in program development and evaluation is a plus.

Special Requirements:
• Some evening and weekend work will be required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation