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IPM

State Program Leader – Integrated Pest Management (Tree and Small Fruit) ANR Agent (Assistant Professor equivalent)

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to provide statewide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in our Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), focusing specifically on tree and small fruit production. This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed at an off-campus Rutgers NJAES Extension Research Farm or county Extension office (TBD), offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of tree and small fruit production and sustainability.

Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan) and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/), which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.
Posting Summary
  • Provide leadership for a statewide, multidisciplinary state-of-the-art IPM program for tree and small fruit growers
  • Provide statewide leadership for the educational and development activities in the Fruit IPM program
  • Provide statewide support to tree and small fruit growers in NJ to improve the sustainability of their industries
  • Identify and expand IPM efforts to include new and emerging crops (wine grapes, for example) and issues such as soil health, ag viability, and climate resiliency (weed management, for example).
  • As the statewide point of contact, provide support for all ANR and RCE in determining research and programmatic needs across the state and will communicate and interact with commodity groups to evaluate the needs of clientele
  • Hire, train, and supervise regional program associates and seasonal scouts
  • Actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through outreach, engagement, and recruitment efforts both internally (colleagues and students) and externally (growers and stakeholders).
  • Responsible for data collection, analysis, and crop specific recommendations

These vibrant industries represent a significant economic sector of the NJ economy. According to 2021 NASS Data, New Jersey blueberry growers harvested 41.2 million utilized pounds from 7,500 acres. The value of utilized production was $77.9 million for 2021, with an average price of $1.89 per pound, third Nationally. Additionally, New Jersey peach growers harvested 13,690 utilized tons from 3,600 bearing acres. In 2021, New Jersey ranked first nationally in price at $2,610 per ton, with a value of utilized production over $35.7 million. However, there is a significant need to support these industries to remain competitive in a global market.

Cooperative efforts with Extension Specialists, faculty colleagues, fellow ANR faculty and staff include:

  • Development of educational materials, production guides and recommendations, etc.
  • Completing on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, conducting demonstrations, and / or participating in on-going field research.
  • Encourage adoption of new technologies and techniques in horticulture and pest management
  • Collaborative efforts with other researchers at Rutgers and across the region and commodity sectors in multidisciplinary projects designed to fill IPM operational voids
  • In a team approach, strategize current IPM programs into Integrated Crop Management (ICM) efforts, developing multidisciplinary program components, exploring current and future needs of the fruit industry to develop new educational programs and outreach efforts
  • Program areas include sustainable agriculture, alternative cropping systems, and ag technologies.

Minimum Education and Experience

  • A Master’s Degree is required from an accredited institution in pomology, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, crop science, weed science, or a related field
  • A minimum of three years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, applied research implementation, and evaluation.

Certifications/Licenses

  • A valid New Jersey driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 9 months of hire, and the ability to successfully complete Rutgers Defensive Driving Courses, and other UHR training as required.
  • A valid NJDEP Pesticide Applicators License, or the ability to obtain one within one year of hire, is required
Candidate must demonstrate excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. The candidate should have a deep understanding of IPM concepts; applicability, and practice in fruit cropping systems; and be able to design and implement a program that responds to commodity and grower strengths, assets, and needs, the results of which would lead to robust data collection, evaluation, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. There is an expectation for outreach to a diverse population and an inclusive approach to engagement. Position requirements include:
    • Familiarity with commercial fruit production systems
    • Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse statewide team while also working collaboratively with growers and stakeholders.
    • Experience in supervisory and managerial skills and evidence of effective interpersonal communication skills.
    • Experience in public speaking and written business-level communication.
    • Initiative and creativity – ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed.
    • Local, regional, and statewide travel is required; state vehicle is provided.
Extension Practice
  • Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to statewide Fruit IPM adoption and practice, meeting current and projected statewide needs
  • Explore and implement programs that lead of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will improve the viability of the tree and small fruit industries
  • Garner external funding to support and expand the fruit IPM program, leading to peer recognition

·Document effective changes for the sustainability of the tree and small fruit industries in NJ

Extension Teaching
  • Create, deliver, and evaluate programs on Fruit IPM for professional and grower audiences using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods.
  • Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns. Responsibilities include engaging with Rutgers faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) to increase opportunities for on-farm research and experiential learning at our research farms. Includes recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for hands-on, real-world experience (field trips, lectures, etc.)

Service

  • Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned Extension office.
  • Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues
  • Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states.
  • Participate in appropriate ANR Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.
  • Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
  • Participate in professional society activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings

Additionally

  • Ability to adapt as circumstances warranted.
  • Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.
  • Experience working with diverse audiences and communities
  • Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions
  • Demonstrated computer literacy – Microsoft Office and other Windows software, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, etc.
  • Flexibility – the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
  • Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing and management, and applied research

Apply Here