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Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Education Program Specialist

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $49K - $71K 💻 Other 🗓️ July 8th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Education Program Specialist to lead and support education, evaluation, and field-based initiatives on vector-borne disease prevention, primarily focusing on tick management. This role involves developing, delivering, coordinating, and evaluating non-credit educational and professional development programs, conducting fieldwork for tick surveillance, engaging with community members, and collaborating with interdisciplinary public health and vector control partners.

Highlights
  • Develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational programs related to vector-borne diseases.
  • Conduct field data collection, including tick sampling and small/medium mammal trapping, managing a field crew of 3-4 individuals.
  • Engage communities and communicate disease prevention strategies during field activities.
  • Support program evaluations through survey development, distribution, and data analysis.
  • Maintain and update the VECTOR Library database ensuring resource accuracy and accessibility.
  • Required skills include data collection and management, field evaluation experience, and effective communication capabilities.
  • Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree (master's preferred) in relevant fields, experience with Extension programs, and familiarity with vector-borne disease systems.
  • Ability to work outdoors in challenging environmental conditions and operate a motor vehicle is required.
  • The salary range is $49,188 to $71,340, and full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.
  • Collaboration with public health agencies, Extension, and vector control programs is integral to the position.

Education Program Specialist Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
 
POSITION SPECIFICS​
The VectorED Network is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Education Program Specialist (Professional) to support and lead education, evaluation, and field-based initiatives related to vector-borne disease prevention, with a focus on tick management. This position plays a key role in developing, delivering, coordinating, and evaluating non-credit educational and professional development programs for external audiences. The specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator at Penn State and collaborate with interdisciplinary partners across public health, Extension, and vector control programs. This is a field- and program-intensive position that integrates applied evaluation, community engagement, and continuing education.

The Education Program Specialist will contribute to the full lifecycle of Extension and professional training programs, from needs assessment and program design to delivery, evaluation, and reporting, and will also support field-based evaluation and surveillance activities. The role emphasizes community engagement, applied education, and data-driven program improvement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Identify, develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational and professional development programs related to vector-borne diseases; conduct needs assessments and market evaluation; develop educational materials, including publications, presentations, web content, and training resources; assist in planning and delivering a professional development webinar series, including speaker coordination, promotion, facilitation, and evaluation; track program metrics and analyze outcomes; prepare reports and provide data-driven recommendations.
  • Coordinate field logistics and support data collection for tick surveillance and control projects; conduct tick sampling, ecological assessments, and habitat evaluations in public and natural spaces; conduct small and medium mammal trapping and sampling; coordinate and work with a field crew of 3-4 individuals; prepare and maintain field materials and equipment; maintain accurate field notes, datasheets, and sample tracking systems; enter and manage data within established databases; follow all safety, biosecurity, and compliance protocols.
  • Engage with community members and the public during field activities to communicate project goals and vector-borne disease prevention strategies; support communication and coordination with public health agencies, vector control programs, and partner organizations; assist with scheduling meetings, documenting interactions and sharing program resources.
  • Support implementation of needs assessments and program evaluations, including survey development, distribution, response tracking, and summarizing results; maintain and update the VECTOR Library database by reviewing entries, correcting links and metadata, organizing content, and adding new resources while ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
  • Provide general support for training, outreach, and evaluation activities, including preparation of educational materials, coordination of meetings and events, data collection and entry, and development of reports and Communications.

Required Qualifications
  • Experience with data collection and management.
  • Demonstrated experience in field evaluation, including small or medium mammal handling.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow established protocols while working both independently and collaboratively.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in entomology, ecology, public health, biology, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred.
  • Experience with Extension or non-credit education programs.
  • Familiarity with vector-borne disease systems such as ticks or mosquitoes.
  • Experience with survey tools and program evaluation methods.
  • Experience supporting webinars or professional training programs.

This position includes significant fieldwork, and applicants must be able to work outdoors in variable and challenging environmental conditions, including heat, rain, uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and vector-infested habitats, as well as lift and carry field equipment and travel to field sites and partner locations as needed.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of 
education.Required Certifications:None
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
 Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
 
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.
 
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
 
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
 

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