Business Systems Analyst

Business Systems Analyst

The Penn State Nutrient Management Education Program (NMEP) is hiring a Business Systems Analyst. This is a new position with the NMEP.

The NMEP is a small team of specialists housed in the Penn State Department of Plant Science at the University Park Campus that works closely with, and is considered a part of, Penn State Extension. Current NMEP staff is very experienced with advanced skills in outreach, research, and teaching. The successful candidate is expected to possess complimentary talent that will enhance impact and future directions of the NMEP.

The primary function of the Business Systems Analyst position within the NMEP is to apply technology to monitor, maintain and update Excel-based Nutrient Management Plan (NMP), Nutrient Balance Sheet (NBS), and Manure Management Plan (MMP) tools used statewide by certified specialists and farmers to ensure compliance with agricultural water quality regulations. This will include software development and maintenance of program websites and web-based planning tools.

Future NMEP plans are to migrate current NMP and NBS software planning tools to a web-based platform. The successful applicant will be expected to be a leader in this future transition. Recent implementation of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection MMP on the PAOneStop platform provides a template for this migration. The MMP PAOneStop platform was developed by a contracted external third-party web programmer, under the guidance of the Penn State PAOneStop team, who in turn, represented agency, university, and stakeholder interests. In coming years, the Business Systems Analyst will act as a lead intermediary between the NMEP, PAOneStop, agency partners, and the web developer. Computer skills may be prioritized over agricultural experience for this position.

The employee will work independently on complex and strategic assignments and participate as a team member with multi-disciplined teams. Administration of highly complex and specialized issues centered around nutrient management require ability to devise, plan, and collaborate with many partners. They will participate as NMEP representative and liaison in interagency, university/Extension, and stakeholder workgroups. They will lead projects that support coordination with multiple organizations including the Pennsylvania Dept of Ag, State Conservation Commission, DEP, PAOneStop, Extension, USDA-NRCS, university colleagues, external customers, and users of program tools.

The successful applicant must have strong computer programming and communication skills.

The position is supported with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/State Conservation Commission. While the position is in a limited term category, it should be noted that stable continuous funding of the NMEP has been in place since the 1990's. The position is critical to support state water quality goals, especially as they pertain to agricultural pollutants.

This position may have the opportunity to work remotely or a hybrid schedule.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree; 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted; Required Certifications: None

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.