University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources seeks Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor

Posted on December 20, 2021
University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources seeks Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor
Position Title                                                                                                                         

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Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor
Applied Research and Extension
Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County
 
 
Position Summary
The Integrated Pest Management Advisor will implement an innovative applied research and extension education program to address high priority pest management needs and problems in the various crop production and landscape systems in Southern California.

Various crops (nurseries, vegetables, field, and horticultural) are grown on large and small acreages in San Diego County. This region lies on the border between Mexico and along the Southern CA coastal lines, hence is exposed to invasive insect pests, such as the South American palm weevil (shown in picture) that could cause serious damage to California’s palm trees and date palms with San Diego as the major entry point.

The IPM Advisor will focus on long-term IPM systems, reducing economic, environmental, and human health impacts from pests and pest management practices, and addressing changes in pest pressures resulting from climate change. The IPM Advisor will also address methods to prevent new pest introductions or the spread of established pests to uninfected areas. It requires identifying potential routes of invasion to reduce the likelihood of infestation.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver relevant program content to have meaningful impacts in local communities and throughout California.

Opportunities abound for extension and research partnerships that link growers and their associations, Pest Control Advisers, and affected clientele/commodity boards, policy makers and public agencies. The IPM Advisor will also provide pest management support for UC Master Gardener volunteers and has the potential to implement research and delivery with UC Master Gardener or California Naturalist Volunteers. The Advisor will deliver training to licensed Pest Control Advisers (PCA), pesticide applicators (QAL/QAC/PA), growers, and professional landscape managers.

The advisor will also join a team of highly motivated UCCE colleagues who are passionate about their work, and are dedicated to making a difference within the communities and throughout California.  The potential for collaborative projects within the UC ANR system is nearly limitless.

 

Qualifications and Skills Required
 

Education:  A minimum of a Master’s degree in a pest management discipline (entomology, plant pathology, weed science) or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.  Knowledge of integrated pest management principles and practices, including tactics for prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression of pests is essential. Quantitative skills and knowledge of, and experience using, statistical analysis and experimental designs is required.

 

Additional Requirements
  • Valid driver license.
  • Live within a commutable distance of the position headquarters during period of appointment.
  • The CE Advisor must obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) prior to applying pesticides or supervising the application of any pesticide.
Desired Experience
  • Passion and desire to pursue a career in Cooperative Extension and community development
  • Experience in building partnerships and with multidisciplinary teams
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, manage teams and implement an applied research program, including setting measurable goals and objectives

Skills Required
To be successful, the CE Advisor requires skills in the following area:
 
Technical Competence and Impact
The candidate should have a deep understanding of 1) key concepts related to pest management in cropping and landscape systems, and 2) be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry and by clientele.  The candidate shall conduct and report regular comprehensive needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the local clientele groups being served.
 
Communication
Demonstrated excellence in written, oral and interpersonal and information technology communication skills.  Public speaking to stakeholders is a routine part of this position. 
Demonstrated ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.
 
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with industry and other stakeholders.  Able to adapt as circumstances warranted.  
Aware and willing to actively promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
 
Lifelong Learning
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self-improvement - both professionally and as a person. Ability to shift program focus as times and organizational needs change.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated quantitative skills and knowledge of, and experience using, statistical analysis and experimental designs is preferred.
 
Learn more about Skills and Areas of Programmatic Review (including Professional Competence, University and Public Service and Affirmative Action and DEI) at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/319460.pdf
 
 
How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit: https://recruit.ucanr.edu/ and choose “applicants” (refer to position #21-42)

Closing Date:  To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 4, 2022– (open until filled)

Questions? Contact Alma Jackson email: ajackson@ucanr.edu

 


The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.