Oklahoma State University
High Obesity Program (HOP) Physical Activity Area Specialist
Oklahoma State University, Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States, 74403
High Obesity Program (HOP) Physical Activity Area Specialist
Join to apply for the
High Obesity Program (HOP) Physical Activity Area Specialist
role at
Oklahoma State University
Campus: OSU-Stillwater Contact Name & Email: Nancy Johnson, nancy.johnson@okstate.edu Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends. Appointment Length: Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice Hiring Range: $56,040 - $84,060 (commensurate with education and experience)
Special Instructions to Applicants: applicants should submit a 1‑2 page cover letter summarizing experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications, a resume, contact information for three references, and a copy of a college transcript showing degree conferral.
About This Position As a part of Oklahoma State University Extension (OSU Extension), the mission of the Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) is to educate and empower limited‑resource families and youth to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors. CNEP encompasses the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‑Ed), known as the Oklahoma Nutrition Education (ONE) program in our state. Our nutrition lessons focus on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security and food resource management. Our Nutrition Education Assistants (NEA’s) provide research‑based, hands‑on learning experiences for families and youth at no cost. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans! Who Are We: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/community-nutrition-education-program/index.html About Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/about-us.html Why OSU Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/extension-careers.html OSU Agriculture: https://agdivision.okstate.edu/ There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html
The Position Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to support a CDC federally funded High Obesity Program initiative. This program focuses on policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving access to healthy foods; safe, accessible places for physical activity; and fostering healthy community environments. The position works collaboratively with Extension educators, community organizations, and other partners to implement, evaluate, and sustain evidence‑based strategies that advance public health outcomes in 10 counties with high adult obesity rates. The HOP Physical Activity Area Specialist is a full‑time, 12‑month position funded through a 5‑year grant; currently in Year 3 (2025‑2026). Continuation of the position beyond the current funding period is contingent upon annual renewal of funds, program needs, and satisfactory performance. The physical activity area specialist is responsible for providing expertise in supporting policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving opportunities for active living through park, trail systems, safe pedestrian routes, etc. The position reports to the Project Director and Principal Investigator in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at OSU. This role partners with Cooperative Extension, public health, planning, parks & recreation, transportation, and local government stakeholders to plan, implement, evaluate and support evidence‑based community design strategies that foster activity‑friendly environments across all 10 HOP‑eligible counties. The position office location is negotiable within Northeastern Oklahoma. Daily in‑state travel is expected with some out‑of‑state travel for professional meetings. Related travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with OSU travel guidelines.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead planning and implementation of built environment strategies aligned with CDC’s guidance to create activity‑friendly communities. This includes improving pedestrian infrastructure, expanding bicycle networks, promoting mixed‑use development, and supporting policy adoption, such as Complete Streets and Safe Routes initiatives.
Collaborate across sectors (public health, transportation, planning, parks/recreation, local government, and schools) to coordinate active living initiatives and develop memoranda of understanding that strengthen partnerships.
Provide technical assistance, workshops, and training for community partners on activity‑friendly design, walk audits, planning, and evaluation. Support integration of health metrics into transportation and planning processes.
Work with planning agencies, transportation departments, and local officials to integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and green space elements into comprehensive plans, zoning codes, and land‑use policies.
Assist in data collection, infrastructure assessments, walkability and bikeability audits, and mapping community access to physical activity opportunities. Monitor changes over time to measure progress.
Engage in frequent day‑to‑day travel to meet with local partners, attend planning and coalition meetings, conduct site visits, and provide on‑site technical assistance and facilitation.
Maintain accurate program and fiscal records, assist with grant reporting, and contribute to sustainability and continuation proposals.
Represent OSU Extension and the active living initiative at community events, conferences, and coalition meetings to promote awareness and support for physical activity‑friendly community design.
Required Qualifications
Master’s in Public Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Community Health, Kinesiology, or a closely related field. (Degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
Experience in community health, planning, built environment, or active living initiatives.
Familiarity with public sector planning, transportation, parks/recreation, or municipal systems.
Strong project management, facilitation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:
Valid driver’s license required. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.
Preferred Qualifications
At least three years of professional experience implementing built environment, active living, or infrastructure projects.
Experience working in multi‑county or rural settings.
Experience with grant‑funded or extension‑based public health initiatives.
Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:
Proficiency with GIS/mapping, infrastructure audits, and evaluation methods.
Skill in Microsoft Office, mapping tools, and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
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High Obesity Program (HOP) Physical Activity Area Specialist
role at
Oklahoma State University
Campus: OSU-Stillwater Contact Name & Email: Nancy Johnson, nancy.johnson@okstate.edu Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends. Appointment Length: Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice Hiring Range: $56,040 - $84,060 (commensurate with education and experience)
Special Instructions to Applicants: applicants should submit a 1‑2 page cover letter summarizing experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications, a resume, contact information for three references, and a copy of a college transcript showing degree conferral.
About This Position As a part of Oklahoma State University Extension (OSU Extension), the mission of the Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) is to educate and empower limited‑resource families and youth to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors. CNEP encompasses the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‑Ed), known as the Oklahoma Nutrition Education (ONE) program in our state. Our nutrition lessons focus on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security and food resource management. Our Nutrition Education Assistants (NEA’s) provide research‑based, hands‑on learning experiences for families and youth at no cost. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans! Who Are We: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/community-nutrition-education-program/index.html About Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/about-us.html Why OSU Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/extension-careers.html OSU Agriculture: https://agdivision.okstate.edu/ There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html
The Position Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to support a CDC federally funded High Obesity Program initiative. This program focuses on policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving access to healthy foods; safe, accessible places for physical activity; and fostering healthy community environments. The position works collaboratively with Extension educators, community organizations, and other partners to implement, evaluate, and sustain evidence‑based strategies that advance public health outcomes in 10 counties with high adult obesity rates. The HOP Physical Activity Area Specialist is a full‑time, 12‑month position funded through a 5‑year grant; currently in Year 3 (2025‑2026). Continuation of the position beyond the current funding period is contingent upon annual renewal of funds, program needs, and satisfactory performance. The physical activity area specialist is responsible for providing expertise in supporting policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving opportunities for active living through park, trail systems, safe pedestrian routes, etc. The position reports to the Project Director and Principal Investigator in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at OSU. This role partners with Cooperative Extension, public health, planning, parks & recreation, transportation, and local government stakeholders to plan, implement, evaluate and support evidence‑based community design strategies that foster activity‑friendly environments across all 10 HOP‑eligible counties. The position office location is negotiable within Northeastern Oklahoma. Daily in‑state travel is expected with some out‑of‑state travel for professional meetings. Related travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with OSU travel guidelines.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead planning and implementation of built environment strategies aligned with CDC’s guidance to create activity‑friendly communities. This includes improving pedestrian infrastructure, expanding bicycle networks, promoting mixed‑use development, and supporting policy adoption, such as Complete Streets and Safe Routes initiatives.
Collaborate across sectors (public health, transportation, planning, parks/recreation, local government, and schools) to coordinate active living initiatives and develop memoranda of understanding that strengthen partnerships.
Provide technical assistance, workshops, and training for community partners on activity‑friendly design, walk audits, planning, and evaluation. Support integration of health metrics into transportation and planning processes.
Work with planning agencies, transportation departments, and local officials to integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and green space elements into comprehensive plans, zoning codes, and land‑use policies.
Assist in data collection, infrastructure assessments, walkability and bikeability audits, and mapping community access to physical activity opportunities. Monitor changes over time to measure progress.
Engage in frequent day‑to‑day travel to meet with local partners, attend planning and coalition meetings, conduct site visits, and provide on‑site technical assistance and facilitation.
Maintain accurate program and fiscal records, assist with grant reporting, and contribute to sustainability and continuation proposals.
Represent OSU Extension and the active living initiative at community events, conferences, and coalition meetings to promote awareness and support for physical activity‑friendly community design.
Required Qualifications
Master’s in Public Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Community Health, Kinesiology, or a closely related field. (Degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
Experience in community health, planning, built environment, or active living initiatives.
Familiarity with public sector planning, transportation, parks/recreation, or municipal systems.
Strong project management, facilitation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:
Valid driver’s license required. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.
Preferred Qualifications
At least three years of professional experience implementing built environment, active living, or infrastructure projects.
Experience working in multi‑county or rural settings.
Experience with grant‑funded or extension‑based public health initiatives.
Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:
Proficiency with GIS/mapping, infrastructure audits, and evaluation methods.
Skill in Microsoft Office, mapping tools, and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
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