Job Details
Posting Number: PG194720EP
Internal Recruitment: No
Working Title: Food Safety Extension Associate
Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience ($62,000 - $64,214)
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
Job Location: Raleigh, NC
Department: Agricultural and Human Sciences
About the Department
The Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences seeks an Extension Associate to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for the Safe Plates program. This role is responsible for the development, branding, and statewide implementation of retail food safety programming, ensuring that NC Cooperative Extension Agents and industry partners have the resources and training necessary to promote food safety across North Carolina.
Essential Job Duties
Program Leadership & Technical Support
- Lead the development, branding, maintenance, and instructor support for statewide retail food handler and manager programming.
- Coordinate and lead both in-person and online retail food safety training sessions.
- Provide high-level technical expertise and support to NC Cooperative Extension Agents and external partners for all retail food safety programs (including Safe Plates for Food Managers, Food Handlers, and School Nutrition Staff).
Curriculum & Resource Development
- Design, update, and create comprehensive retail food safety curricula and supplemental training resources.
- Develop engaging food safety content for Safe Plates social media channels to expand program reach and impact.
Research, Evaluation, & Scholarly Contribution
- Conduct formal evaluations of Safe Plates programs to measure efficacy and impact.
- Develop, execute, and report on short-term contract retail food safety research projects, including observational studies and assessments.
- Contribute to the academic and funding mission of the department through proposal writing and the development of scholarly manuscripts.
Administration & Operations
- Manage program administration, including the invoicing and financial tracking for classes.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or relevant independent experience and education
- Experience in using online learning management systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Other Required Qualifications
- Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of retail food safety standards and regulations.
- Communication: Ability to translate complex research into accessible training materials for varied audiences.
- Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, from curriculum design to research execution and reporting.
- Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills for supporting a statewide network of Extension Agents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Food Science, Public Health, or other related field preferred.
- 5 years of experience is preferred.
