University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources' Department of Extension is seeking an Extension Food Safety Specialist to work from the New Haven County Extension Center as an Assistant or Associate Extension Educator. For more information about the Dept. of Extension please visit: http://www.extension.uconn.edu/

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The faculty member will develop and conduct an Extension education and applied research program that meets critical needs and builds the knowledge base in food safety and related food science education using the latest research-based and experiential learning-based information related to all facets of developing, implementing, and evaluating food safety and related food science education programs for agricultural producers, food processors, food service providers and consumers. Clientele include farmers, processors of meat and poultry, and FDA regulated foods, particularly small processors and new food entrepreneurs, private organizations, and public agencies, including regulatory agencies.

Initially this position will focus on produce safety, fulfilling a contractual agreement with the CT Department of Agriculture to provide training, resources, and information to produce farmers in Connecticut so that they can comply with the requirements and standards outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The applicant will be required to attend or show proof of training and complete requirements to become a Lead Trainer for the Produce Safety Alliance standard curriculum.

The Educator will serve as a technical resource and information clearinghouse among University, Extension, industry and government partners in food safety education and research, food science related education and outreach. This will include partnering with many disciplines, programs, agencies, organizations, groups, and others, including regional and national Extension educators. The Educator will extend the reach of UConn Extension by integrating distance education into program delivery through established and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an extramurally-funded outreach education and applied research program and to develop a diverse portfolio of educational materials for Extension clients and scholarly materials for professional peers. To fulfill the Extension mission, the successful candidate will perform other appropriate duties as needed or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An earned Master's degree in food safety, food science, food microbiology or a closely related field with appropriate qualifications and related experience (applicants with five (5) or more years of experience as an Assistant Extension Educator or the equivalent will be considered for the Associate Extension Educator level). Proven experience in delivering presentations and teaching successfully in informal as well as formal settings. Applicants must demonstrate strong skills in leadership, written and verbal communication, interpersonal relations, and computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Office including data management. Applicants must be self-starters and have the ability to work effectively with minimum supervision both independently and as a team member. The incumbent in this position must have the ability to work flexible hours including occasional nights and weekends, and must be willing and able to travel statewide to meet clients/provide training programs, and occasionally travel regionally or nationally for food safety/food science related activities. Must be designated as a Lead Trainer for the Produce Safety Alliance standard curriculum or complete training requirements within six (6) months of hire date; also must have reliable transportation and valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Proven experience working with the food industry, particularly in the areas of quality control or food safety. Experience with state and federal food safety related agencies as well as knowledge of food safety-related regulations including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Proven experience in applied research. Experience in grantsmanship and/or fund raising. Demonstrated familiarity with Extension and the land-grant university system as well as building and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Demonstrated competencies in program delivery methods through established and emerging technologies. Experience in increasing diversity in educational program delivery and participation.

APPOINTMENT TERM

This is an 11-month per year, non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate. Starting salary and rank for this position will be commensurate with successful candidate's experience and training.

This is a full-time position with a benefits package. For more information on benefits, go to: http://www.hr.uconn.edu/benefits/index.html . Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel is allowed for personal vehicle use. Final applicants will be subject to a background screening. Screening will begin July 20, 2018 and continue until position is filled.

TO APPLY

Please select "Apply" to submit the following on Academic Jobs Online: a letter of application that addresses qualifications identified in the advertisement, a resume or curriculum vitae and a list of references with contact information. Applications and supporting materials will be reviewed until a candidate has been identified. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2018702).

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer. UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.



To apply please click here!