Food Safety Specialist - University of Maryland Eastern Shore : Job Details

Position Title Food Safety Specialist Job Type Staff Position Information

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) seeks applicants for the position of Extension Food Safety Specialist. This a twelve month, full-time extension and applied research position. The specific assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the program. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for the position will include the development of integrated extension and applied research programs that will include but will not be limited to the following:

* Provide training, resources, and information to key stakeholders in Maryland so that they can comply with the requirements and standards outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

* Develop education programs for food producers, processors and Extension field staff at all levels of the food system from production to consumption.

* Support, strengthen and participate in county-based Extension programs.

* Develop effective teaching tools such as publications, fact sheets, presentations, worksheets, web-based tools and other creative tools to enhance the delivery and understanding of information on food safety.

* Extend the reach of UMES Extension by integrating distance education into program delivery through established and emerging technologies.

* Plan, develop, implement, evaluate and report on inputs, outcomes, impacts and accomplishments of food safety focused educational and applied research programs for relevant clientele.

* Consistently publish work in both peer-reviewed journals and relevant extension outlets.

* Develop an extramurally-funded extension and applied research program.

* Participate actively in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees and providing experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students.

* Work closely with other programs and faculty at UMES and UMCP as well as other stakeholders and agencies from across the state of Maryland.

* Participate in professional development activities as required for the position.

* Travel as needed, to attend meetings, conduct trainings and farm reviews, and deliver programs.

* Participate in teaching training workshops/courses on Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety rule (PSR) courses from the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA), as well as Maryland Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and participate in On Farm Readiness Reviews (OFR) with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

* Actively participate in relevant university and external committees as needed.

* Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Classification 25-0000 Education, Training, and Library Occupations Required Qualifications

* Ph.D. degree in a disciple or field relevant to the position.

* Demonstrated scholarly mastery in a discipline relevant to food safety.

* Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

* Background or professional experience in food safety and fruit and vegetable production.

* Demonstrated ability to work with farmers and other food industry personnel.

* Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a wide range of clientele on food safety matters.

* Proven experience in delivering presentations and teaching successfully in informal as well as formal settings.

* Demonstrated ability in using computers and modern technology including knowledge of common software such as Microsoft.

* Demonstrated ability to use technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

* Evidence of scholarly publications.

* Demonstrated skills and ability to develop competitive grant proposals.

* Applicants must be self-starters and have the ability to work effectively with minimum supervision both independently and as a team member.

* Must have a valid driver's license.

* Must be able to work flexible hours including occasional nights and weekends, and must be willing and able to travel statewide to meet clients/provide training programs.

* Must have a commitment to the land grant mission.

Preferred Qualifications

* Ph.D. degree in a closely related field at the time of employment.

* Knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission.

* Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs to diverse clientele.

* Demonstrated experience with Extension programming including delivery methods through established and emerging technologies.

* Proven experience working with the food industry, particularly in the areas of quality control or food safety.

* Experience working with small-scale farmers and ranchers and/or small local agribusiness enterprises.

* Experience with state and federal food safety related agencies and knowledge of food safety related regulations including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

* Proven experience in applied research.

* Evidence of building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

* Knowledge and experience with food safety extension and applied research.

* Knowledge and understanding of common office computer applications.

* Knowledge of the land grant mission.

* Demonstrated skills and ability to develop competitive grant proposals.

* Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs to diverse clientele.

* Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

* Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.

* Ability to lead and coordinate collaborative activities.

* Agricultural extension agents/specialist may be required to work evenings and weekends.

* Support UMES clientele service values of integrity, commitment, accountability, respect and excellence.

Certifications/Registrations

N/A

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

FLSA Exempt Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S00512P Application/Resume deadline Open Until Filled Yes Resume/Application Process

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

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