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