Penn State University
Meat Science Extension Program Specialist
Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
Application Instructions
Current Penn State employee: login to Workday to complete internal application process. Current Penn State student: login to Workday student application process. If you are not a current employee or student, click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
Position Specifics Penn State Extension and the Department of Animal Science are seeking a highly motivated and organized Extension Program Specialist in Meat Science to provide support with meat science extension activities. This position will coordinate training activities for the PSU Butcher School, manage apprenticeship programs, and offer educational resources for clients in the meat and poultry processing industry. The role involves engagement with stakeholders, meat processing associations, students, and high‑school vocational programming, and collaboration with the Livestock and Food Safety Extension teams.
Responsibilities
Coordinate, recruit, and administer activities associated with the PSU Butcher School including interviewing and enrolling program participants, managing supply inventory, and reporting state and federal data.
Supervise Butcher School apprentices during the on‑campus component of the apprenticeship program, leading hands‑on meat processing in the Meats Laboratory, industry tours, and training lectures.
Develop and implement new meat science extension programming on carcass processing, meat business management, meat processing for hobbyists/chefs, or other areas as needed. Update publications, fact sheets, websites, and presentations.
Assist with other livestock, meat science, and food safety Extension activities hosted by Penn State.
Assist with university teaching activities in the Meats Laboratory.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and competencies through training, certifications, and professional development.
Minimum Education and Experience Extension Program Specialist – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s degree and 1 + years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination). No required certifications.
Extension Program Specialist – Advanced Professional: Master’s degree and 3 + years of relevant experience (or equivalent). No required certifications.
Qualifications Required:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science or related field.
Positive human relations and effective communication skills to work with colleagues, industry representatives, government officials, and the public.
Preferred:
Experience with fresh meat processing activities (slaughter, carcass fabrication, retail cut preparation).
Working knowledge of HACCP systems and ServSafe.
Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, data manipulation, and presentation software.
Experience working with diverse audiences.
Background Checks and Clearances Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. The position requires driving; a valid driver’s license and vehicle records check are required.
Application Deadline Review of applications will begin December 1 2025.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $46,400 – $74,000.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
EEO Statement 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.
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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
Position Specifics Penn State Extension and the Department of Animal Science are seeking a highly motivated and organized Extension Program Specialist in Meat Science to provide support with meat science extension activities. This position will coordinate training activities for the PSU Butcher School, manage apprenticeship programs, and offer educational resources for clients in the meat and poultry processing industry. The role involves engagement with stakeholders, meat processing associations, students, and high‑school vocational programming, and collaboration with the Livestock and Food Safety Extension teams.
Responsibilities
Coordinate, recruit, and administer activities associated with the PSU Butcher School including interviewing and enrolling program participants, managing supply inventory, and reporting state and federal data.
Supervise Butcher School apprentices during the on‑campus component of the apprenticeship program, leading hands‑on meat processing in the Meats Laboratory, industry tours, and training lectures.
Develop and implement new meat science extension programming on carcass processing, meat business management, meat processing for hobbyists/chefs, or other areas as needed. Update publications, fact sheets, websites, and presentations.
Assist with other livestock, meat science, and food safety Extension activities hosted by Penn State.
Assist with university teaching activities in the Meats Laboratory.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and competencies through training, certifications, and professional development.
Minimum Education and Experience Extension Program Specialist – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s degree and 1 + years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination). No required certifications.
Extension Program Specialist – Advanced Professional: Master’s degree and 3 + years of relevant experience (or equivalent). No required certifications.
Qualifications Required:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science or related field.
Positive human relations and effective communication skills to work with colleagues, industry representatives, government officials, and the public.
Preferred:
Experience with fresh meat processing activities (slaughter, carcass fabrication, retail cut preparation).
Working knowledge of HACCP systems and ServSafe.
Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, data manipulation, and presentation software.
Experience working with diverse audiences.
Background Checks and Clearances Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. The position requires driving; a valid driver’s license and vehicle records check are required.
Application Deadline Review of applications will begin December 1 2025.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $46,400 – $74,000.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
EEO Statement 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.
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