Food Safety Agent V

TITLE: Food Safety Agent V

DEPARTMENT: Extension

REPORTS TO: Associate Dean

CLASSIFICATION: Staff - 12 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: Multi-County (Franklin, Fayette, Scott, Woodford, Garrard, Shelby Counties) / KSU Main Campus / EERC / The Farm

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

The Food Safety Agent V supports Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program by developing and delivering educational programming related to food safety, produce safety, and agricultural water quality. This position provides technical assistance, outreach, and education to agricultural producers regarding the microbiological quality of irrigation water, compliance with applicable food safety regulations, and best management practices.

The Food Safety Agent collaborates with faculty, Extension personnel, government agencies, industry partners, and agricultural producers to expand food safety education, establish water quality testing sites, provide technical assistance, and promote research-based educational programming throughout the assigned service area. This position requires regular travel and an on-site presence throughout the assigned counties and University facilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Recruit agricultural producers and assist with establishing, operating, and maintaining agricultural water testing satellite locations.

• Develop, update, and distribute research-based educational materials related to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, agricultural water quality, and produce safety practices.

• Coordinate outreach activities with farmers' markets, Extension personnel, government agencies, commodity organizations, and community partners.

• Assist producers with water sample collection procedures, laboratory testing, interpretation of results, and implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Generate laboratory reports and communicate testing results to producers in an understandable and timely manner.

• Assist the Principal Investigator and project personnel with surveys, data collection, reporting, and program evaluation related to agricultural water quality, FSMA compliance, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and produce production.

• Develop and deliver educational workshops, presentations, demonstrations, and field programs related to produce safety, agricultural water quality, and food safety regulations.

• Respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding food safety regulations, agricultural water quality, GAP certification, and related topics through site visits, telephone, email, and other communication methods.

• Maintain accurate records, reports, educational materials, and program documentation.

• Collaborate with University faculty, Extension personnel, industry representatives, and governmental agencies to support food safety initiatives.

• Maintain laboratory equipment, testing supplies, and educational resources necessary to support Extension programming.

• Travel throughout the assigned service area to conduct educational programming, site visits, meetings, and training activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of food safety principles, produce safety regulations, and agricultural water quality.
• Knowledge of horticultural crop production and agricultural practices.
• Knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and basic microbiological testing methods.
• Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and technical training.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agricultural producers, Extension personnel, faculty, agencies, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret technical information and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other software applications.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to travel frequently, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to safely operate University vehicles and equipment used in support of Extension programming.

OTHER DUTIES: Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field is required.
• Experience in food safety, agricultural production, Cooperative Extension, laboratory operations, or related educational programming is preferred.
• Experience delivering educational programs or providing technical assistance to agricultural producers is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in office, laboratory, agricultural, and outdoor environments.
• Frequent travel throughout the assigned multi-county service area is required.
• Field work includes exposure to varying weather conditions, agricultural operations, uneven terrain, and laboratory environments.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and other physical activity associated with field and laboratory work.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support educational programs and stakeholder events.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.