Part-Time Project Coordinator, CARAT

CARAT (Creating Advanced Revenue for Agriculture Transformation in Dairy) is a USDA-funded project that support advances markets for dairy producers. Every dollar spent is accounted for and reported back to the federal government. The Department of Plant Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State seeks an hourly Project Coordinator, based at University Park, PA, to keep help keep the project running. The position reports directly to the Project Director, Armen R. Kemanian, and is paid for hours worked. It is anticipated that weekly hours will be no more than 20 hours per week. The schedule is flexible with specifics set by the Project Director, but must adapt to occasional trips within Pennsylvania as well as around meeting and reporting cycles.

The Project Coordinator coordinates internal project meetings, including agendas, materials, decision and action item records, and follow-up until items close, and keeps the Project Director and team aligned on deadlines, deliverables, and open issues. The Project Coordinator also tracks funds committed and paid to producers throughout the award period, maintains the USDA-provided reporting spreadsheet so that entries stay current, complete, and consistent with source records, reconciles producer payment records with university financial data, flags discrepancies early, prepares reporting packages for USDA deadlines, supports the Project Director in reviewing and submitting them, and keeps organized files ready for audit. All information is shared through Penn State internal system to ensure confidentiality and strict documentation. The Project Coordinator serves as a point of contact for project partners (CDE and PDMP) and third parties working with CARAT, and performs other project-related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in Agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in agricultural projects and grants
• Strong skills in Excel or comparable spreadsheet tools, as well as GIS tools, with attention to detail and a habit of checking numbers twice
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet deadlines within a 20 hour weekly cap

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with federal grant reporting or USDA programs
• Familiarity with university financial and grants systems
• Background in agriculture, dairy, or rural economic development

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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