Extension Educator, Pesticide Safety (2 positions available)

Working Title: Extension Educator, Pesticide Safety (2 positions available)

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor-Production Agriculture (9624PA)

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources Systems (ANR)

Office location: St. Paul Campus, Coffey Hall, St. Paul, MN, hybrid option available

Salary range: $72,000 - $82,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply by: July 10, 2026

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.

For both positions, Extension Educators will be responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of research-based programming tailored mostly for commercial and non-commercial applicators. This involves managing comprehensive educational content across a diverse array of certification categories, ranging from agricultural crops and aquatic systems to specialized areas like soil fumigation and public health initiatives. To ensure broad reach and impact, the Educators will develop high-quality instructional materials across multiple platforms, including traditional print formats, in-person workshops, distance learning modules, and emerging educational technologies.

Beyond curriculum development, the Extension Educator positions require a high degree of collaboration and strategic foresight. The Educators will work collaboratively with the Pesticide Safety team and fellow Extension colleagues to maintain program consistency and extend the reach of safety initiatives throughout the state. A key focus will be modernizing the program's delivery by expanding its digital footprint through innovative online learning tools. Additionally, the Educators will provide essential resource management by overseeing the continuous development and revision of Minnesota pesticide applicator materials that remain current with evolving industry standards.

One Extension educator position will provide statewide educational programming leadership primarily for the commercial/non-commercial pesticide applicator recertification program that encompasses the Minnesota rural environment including agricultural crops, seed treatment, livestock, and non-soil and soil fumigation. Recertification prevents a credential from lapsing, ensuring that professionals keep pace with shifting laws, emerging technologies, and updated industry best practices.

One Extension educator position will provide statewide educational programming leadership primarily for the commercial/noncommercial pesticide applicator precertification program that encompasses a range of categories from crops, horticulture, aquatic, public health, forestry, rights-of-way, and vertebrate pests. Precertification is a training program designed to prepare professionals for specific licensing and/or certification. The curriculum is focused on specific knowledge, industry regulations, and test-taking strategies.

These positions are accountable to the Associate Director and Program Leader of the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. The office location for this position is on the St. Paul campus at Coffey Hall in St. Paul, MN, but positions may be eligible for hybrid options.

Program Leadership and Development (70%)

• 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 (20%)

• 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 (10%)

• 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.

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.

• Ability 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.

• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable 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.

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. Find further information on the Extension website.

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 Range: $72,000 - $82,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

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

The University recognizes and values 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.