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Why Join arenaflex?
At arenaflex, we are a leading public‑service institution dedicated to research, education, and community engagement. Our mission‑driven culture empowers every employee to make a tangible difference for the Commonwealth and beyond. As part of the arenaflex College of Agricultural Sciences, you will play a pivotal role in protecting Pennsylvania’s agriculture, natural resources, and economy from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) threat.
The Spotted Lanternfly is a fast‑spreading, destructive pest that endangers crops, vineyards, and forest ecosystems. Arenaflex’s SLF response program relies on timely, accurate information exchange between scientists, extension educators, and the public. By joining our modern call‑center team, you become the trusted voice that guides citizens, businesses, and stakeholders through reporting, prevention, and mitigation efforts.
Position Overview
This is a part‑time, remote‑enabled role that operates Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from early spring through late fall. While the initial training occurs on the arenaflex Campus, the day‑to‑day responsibilities are performed from your home office, offering flexibility while maintaining a high‑quality, customer‑centric experience.
Key Responsibilities
- First‑line Contact: Serve as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders—including homeowners, farmers, business owners, and community groups—who wish to report an SLF sighting or request information.
- Information Dissemination: Provide clear, accurate responses using arenaflex resources such as fact sheets, LearnNow videos, short courses, and extension educator referrals.
- Referral & Escalation: Identify complex or specialized inquiries and route them to the appropriate arenaflex department, faculty member, or external partner (e.g., arenaflex Department of Agriculture or the arenaflex Federal Agency).
- Multi‑Channel Communication: Interact with callers via phone, video conference, email, and traditional mail, adapting tone and style to meet diverse audience needs.
- Issue Investigation: Analyze unusual or ambiguous reports, gather supplemental data, and collaborate with the SLF research team to resolve concerns.
- Data Entry & Reporting: Accurately capture call metrics, generate weekly summaries, and assist with required reporting to arenaflex leadership and regulatory agencies.
- Quality Assurance: Uphold professional standards, adhere to call scripts, and continuously improve service quality through peer feedback and performance reviews.
- Knowledge Development: Build a working-level understanding of SLF biology, lifecycle, and management strategies to enhance credibility with callers.
Essential Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in customer service, call‑center environments, or client‑facing roles.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in Spanish is highly valued.
- Strong interpersonal abilities, with a proven track record of building rapport across diverse populations.
- High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple inquiries simultaneously.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and basic CRM or ticketing systems.
- Reliable high‑speed internet connection and a quiet workspace suitable for professional calls.
- Willingness to travel to the arenaflex Campus for initial training (travel expenses reimbursed).
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Background in agricultural extension, entomology, environmental science, or related fields.
- Experience with invasive species management, pest reporting, or agricultural outreach.
- Familiarity with USDA or state‑level agricultural regulations (experience with arenaflex Federal Agency processes is a plus).
- Previous exposure to multilingual support or translation services.
- Sales or client‑relationship management experience that demonstrates a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Prioritizes caller needs, demonstrates empathy, and strives for first‑contact resolution.
- Problem‑Solving: Analyzes ambiguous situations, identifies root causes, and proposes actionable solutions.
- Technical Proficiency: Quick learner with the ability to navigate new software platforms and troubleshoot basic technical issues.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, seasonal environment where call volumes may fluctuate.
- Team Collaboration: Works closely with the SLF Call Center Manager, research scientists, and extension educators to align messaging.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Engages respectfully with a wide demographic, recognizing regional dialects, cultural nuances, and accessibility needs.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Working at arenaflex opens doors to a wealth of professional development resources:
- Continuing Education: Access to free online courses, workshops, and certification programs through the arenaflex Learning Portal.
- Mentorship: Pairing with experienced extension educators and entomologists to deepen subject‑matter expertise.
- Cross‑Functional Projects: Opportunities to contribute to public‑awareness campaigns, data‑analysis initiatives, and policy‑brief development.
- Career Pathways: Potential progression to senior call‑center supervisor, outreach coordinator, or analytics specialist roles within arenaflex.
Work Environment & Culture
arenaflex prides itself on an inclusive, collaborative, and mission‑driven culture. Our core values—Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community—guide every interaction:
- Inclusivity: We actively recruit a diverse workforce and foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
- Community Impact: Employees see the direct results of their work in reduced pest damage, healthier farms, and safer neighborhoods.
- Flexibility: While training is on‑site, the remainder of the role is remote, allowing you to balance work with personal commitments.
- Recognition: Regular acknowledgment of outstanding service, innovative ideas, and teamwork through awards and internal communications.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
Although specific salary ranges vary by location and experience, arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage complemented by a comprehensive benefits package for part‑time staff, which may include:
- Health, dental, and vision coverage options (eligible after a set number of hours).
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
- Paid time off (PTO) accrued based on hours worked.
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional counseling.
- Access to campus facilities such as libraries, wellness centers, and virtual fitness classes.
- Discounted tuition and continuing education resources.
Application Process
Interested candidates should follow the steps below:
- Visit the arenaflex Careers portal and locate the posting titled “Part‑Time Customer Service Representative – Spotted Lanternfly Response & Outreach.”
- Complete the online application, attaching a résumé and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation for joining the SLF response team.
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation email and may be invited to a virtual interview with the Call Center Manager.
Note: Current arenaflex employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or students) must apply internally via the arenaflex Workday system. External applicants may apply directly through the link provided below.
Apply Now
Join us in protecting Pennsylvania’s agriculture and natural heritage
If you are a proactive, detail‑oriented communicator who thrives on helping people solve real‑world problems, we want you on our team. At arenaflex, your voice will guide countless citizens through a critical environmental challenge, and your contributions will be celebrated across the Commonwealth.
Take the next step in your career—apply today and become a frontline champion in the fight against the Spotted Lanternfly!
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