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Join arenaflex and Defend Our Communities from the Spotted Lanternfly
At arenaflex, we are a nationally‑recognized hub of research, education, and public service. Our mission is to protect agriculture, natural resources, and the broader community from threats that jeopardize economic stability and environmental health. One of the most critical challenges we face today is the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an insect that poses a serious risk to farms, forests, and backyard ecosystems across the Commonwealth.
We are launching an SLF Call Center to field inquiries, gather sightings, and deliver timely resources to the public. As a Part‑Time Customer Service Representative, you will become the friendly, knowledgeable voice that empowers citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to act quickly and effectively. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast‑paced, service‑driven environments and who are passionate about protecting our region’s natural and economic assets.
Why This Role Matters
The Spotted Lanternfly spreads quickly, causing millions of dollars in damage each year. By serving as the first point of contact for reporting sightings and providing guidance, you help:
- Accelerate response times for containment and eradication efforts.
- Educate the public on best practices for prevention and control.
- Support data collection that informs state‑wide management strategies.
- Reduce the overall economic impact on agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
Every call you take contributes to a larger mission: safeguarding the environment and livelihoods of millions of residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Front‑Line Interaction: Answer incoming calls, video chats, emails, and mailed inquiries from a diverse audience, serving as the primary contact for SLF‑related questions.
- Information Dissemination: Provide accurate, up‑to‑date information about SLF identification, reporting procedures, and available resources such as fact sheets, LearnNow videos, and short courses.
- Referral & Escalation: Direct callers to subject‑matter experts, extension educators, or appropriate departmental units when specialized assistance is required.
- Data Capture & Reporting: Log each interaction in our reporting system, ensuring that data shared with the arenaflex SLF team and relevant governmental partners is complete and accurate.
- Problem Solving: Investigate unusual or complex situations, collaborate with internal teams, and devise solutions that meet the caller’s needs while adhering to policy.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain a professional image of the call center, follow best practices for customer service, and continuously improve service quality through feedback loops.
- Technical Proficiency: Operate standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel) and any specialized call‑center platforms with confidence.
- Training & Development: Participate in initial on‑site training at the University Park Campus (now rebranded as arenaflex) and ongoing remote learning modules to deepen SLF knowledge.
Essential Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in customer service, call‑center operations, sales, or client management.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; Spanish language ability is a strong plus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and work collaboratively across diverse teams.
- Strong organizational abilities and a sense of urgency to meet the expectations of concerned citizens.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel) and comfort learning new software platforms.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a remote or hybrid environment.
- Willingness to obtain a background check clearance as required by arenaflex policies.
Preferred Qualifications & Additional Experience
- Experience dealing with governmental or agricultural stakeholders.
- Basic knowledge of entomology or invasive species management.
- Prior involvement in public outreach, extension services, or community education initiatives.
- Familiarity with USDA or state‑level agricultural regulations (though not required, this knowledge accelerates onboarding).
- Certification in customer service excellence (e.g., HDI, ITIL) or related fields.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Active Listening: Fully understand caller concerns before responding.
- Problem Resolution: Quickly identify solutions or pathways for escalation.
- Empathy & Patience: Treat each caller with respect and sensitivity, especially those dealing with potential crop loss.
- Detail‑Oriented Documentation: Accurately record call details, follow‑up actions, and any referrals made.
- Adaptability: Ability to shift priorities as call volume fluctuates throughout the spring‑to‑fall season.
- Time Management: Meet service level agreements while maintaining quality interactions.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
arenaflex is committed to fostering professional development for every team member. As a call‑center agent, you will have access to:
- Structured onboarding and mentorship from seasoned SLF program managers.
- Continuous education through internal webinars, online courses, and conferences on invasive species management.
- Opportunities to transition into full‑time roles in extension services, research coordination, or public affairs.
- Cross‑departmental projects that broaden your expertise beyond customer service.
- Recognition programs that celebrate exceptional service and innovative problem‑solving.
Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex
Our culture is built on the pillars of inclusion, collaboration, and impact. We celebrate diversity and encourage every employee to bring their authentic selves to work. Key cultural highlights include:
- Inclusive Community: arenaflex embraces individuals of all backgrounds, fostering a supportive environment where ideas thrive.
- Team‑Oriented Atmosphere: Regular virtual huddles, peer‑to‑peer knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem‑solving sessions keep the team connected.
- Mission‑Driven Purpose: Every interaction you have directly contributes to the protection of agriculture and natural resources across the region.
- Flexible Scheduling: While core hours are 8 a.m.‑5 p.m., Monday‑Friday, we understand the need for work‑life balance and offer remote work options where feasible.
- Safety & Well‑Being: Comprehensive health, safety, and wellness resources are available to all staff.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits
arenaflex offers a competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience, along with a benefits package that may include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Professional development stipend for courses, certifications, and conferences.
- Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
- Opportunities for career advancement within arenaflex’s extensive network of programs.
Specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process & Important Notes
To be considered for this position, please follow the steps below:
- Internal Candidates: Current arenaflex employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or students) must log in to the arenaflex Workday portal and complete the internal application.
- Current Students: Enrolled arenaflex students who have not previously been employed should also use the Workday portal for the student application process.
- External Applicants: If you are not presently employed or enrolled at arenaflex, click the “Apply” button below to begin the external application.
Note: Remote and hybrid work arrangements are subject to operational needs and are not guaranteed for every location. Candidates must be prepared to attend initial in‑person training at the University Park Campus before transitioning to remote work.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Sustainability
arenaflex is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively promote equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all aspects of our operations, ensuring that every employee, stakeholder, and partner feels valued and empowered.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are enthusiastic about delivering top‑notch service, enjoy working with a wide array of citizens, and want to contribute to a mission that protects agriculture and ecosystems, we want to hear from you. Join arenaflex’s SLF Call Center team and become a catalyst for change.
Apply Now
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