Program Associate – Food Safety Extension Education

About the role

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service seeks a Program Associate to deliver statewide education, outreach, and technical assistance on food safety and food systems, focusing on the FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule and related programs.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, promote, and deliver FSMA Produce Safety Rule trainings, workshops, webinars, and conferences.
• Develop and deliver food safety education materials, curricula, fact sheets, and digital resources for farmers, food businesses, and community stakeholders.
• Provide technical assistance on food safety practices, regulations, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, labeling, and food safety plans.
• Collaborate with county agents, faculty, regulatory agencies, industry, and community organizations to expand programming.
• Coordinate project activities, timelines, data collection, evaluation, reporting, and grant documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., food science, public health, horticulture) and at least three years of related experience.
• Experience in food safety extension education, outreach, or technical assistance.
• Ability to translate scientific and regulatory information into practical guidance for diverse audiences.

Required skills

• Knowledge of the FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Curriculum development and adult education delivery.
• Technical assistance on food safety plans and regulatory compliance.