Assistant State Specialist, Food Safety

January 1, 2023

POSITION: Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension is accepting applications for a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Assistant State Specialist of Food Safety, 11-month non-tenure track. The successful candidate will provide expertise in the area of food safety including food access, purchasing, preparation, preservation, and storage. The anticipated outcomes include sustainable consumer food systems, increased food security and improved health.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The candidate will coordinate FCS programming to county FCS educators and constituents by providing leadership, education and systems approaches.

• Make a positive impact in the area of food safety education
• Maintain knowledge of food safety issues
• Develop and maintain comprehensive food safety programming
• Conduct needs assessment and participate in evaluation efforts
• Provide leadership to county and district programs in the area of food safety
• Participate as a team member with other FCS, 4-H, and Agriculture faculty and staff, including OSU Extension area specialists, state specialists, county educators, and district staff, and personnel in the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Product Center
• Collaborate with other food safety professionals in other states on a regular basis
• Travel within the state to support and provide education (travel budget provided)
• Continuance of employment in this role is based on need, performance, and funding

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated expertise in food safety including food access, purchasing, preparation, preservation and storage programming.
• Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences or closely related field
• Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) License

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Two years minimum experience in Cooperative Extension or closely related work

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Along with a competitive employee benefit package, the salary is commensurate with candidate qualifications and experience. For more benefit information, see: http://hr.okstate.edu/benefits

GENERAL INFORMATION:

About the Department: As an academic unit of the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University, the Department of Nutritional Sciences embodies the tripartite of the University: instruction, research and extension. The department has 22 faculty and 10 staff members at the Stillwater campus. OSU Extension State specialists within the department provide education to OSU Extension educators in all 77 counties to improve the health, well-being, and financial skills of the people in Oklahoma. Additionally, the Community Nutrition Education Programs are housed within the department. Faculty and students have opportunities to engage with local communities through outreach and OSU Extension.

About the University: Oklahoma State University, an R1 land-grant institution (ranked 114th by NSF in Fall 2017) is committed to strengthening its diversity, equity and inclusion. Enrollment at OSU-Stillwater is approximately 23,000 students; the College of Education and Human Sciences includes 7 academic units, 172 faculty, and nearly 200 full-time staff.

About the Community: The University is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is a micropolitan community of approximately 49,000 people with high-quality amenities and a comparably low cost of living. Oklahoma City and Tulsa are within a 1 hour drive, and cities such as Fayetteville, AR, Joplin, MO, and Wichita, KS are within a comfortable 2-3 hour drive time of Stillwater. In addition to excellent healthcare, education (public and private primary and secondary schools), and recreational services, the community affords a rich variety of cultural activities typical of a major university environment, including museums, music, art, and theater.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Although applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by January 3, 2023 to receive optimal consideration. Application materials should include:

• Letter that describes qualifications, previous professional responsibilities, achievements, and leadership style and describe how these apply to the position sought
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three references

Send questions via e-mail to:

Gina Peek, Chair of Search and Screen Committee

Associate Dean, Extension, Engagement and Continuing Education

College of Education and Human Sciences

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK 74078

E-mail: gina.peek@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.