Entomology Specialist

As Associate Entomologist, this educator will be responsible for planning, development, implementation and delivery of programs in entomology including education on IPM and environmentally sensitive methods of arthropod pest management, establishment and management of applied research trials in coordination with the supervisor, and handling insect and plant samples for diagnosis. Target communities of the Entomology Program include commercial agriculture and ornamental horticulture businesses as well as audiences involved in special projects as they may arise. Secondary support is provided to non-commercial horticulture interests (e.g. Home Horticulture Diagnostic Lab, Master Gardeners, parks and municipalities, schools, etc.) as needed and time allows. The position provides Entomology Program supervisor support and input into program evaluation, supervision and implementation, as well as securing grants/contracts and marketing. Coordination is expected with day-to-day entomology projects and related administrative activities for the local knowledge-based educational/implementation effort, supervision of program assistants and seasonal staff, and professional development to enhance program delivery and value to clientele.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Entomology.
• Experience related to the position (pest management, horticulture applied research, arthropod/plant problem identification).
• Hold or able to obtain NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.
• Willing to work with, in, and around areas where pesticides are used regularly and to work under varying climatic and other conditions common to farm, field and other horticulture work environments (heat, cold, rain, noise, dust, etc.).
• Ability to generate funds through grants or other sources to support the position.
• Ability to initiate, plan, teach and evaluate informal and formal educational programs.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, if required.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels.
• Ability to work independently, learn new tasks, and prioritize work with minimum supervision.
• Familiarity with necessary computer skills such as the Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to practice sound, ethical judgement when representing CCE Suffolk to ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to legal and safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two years’ experience in applied entomology or pest management-related education or research.
• Experience with planning, teaching, and evaluating adult educational programs.
• Possess valid NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 1, 3A, 3B, and/or 10).
• Background in and knowledge of plant material.
• Experience with conducting and evaluating pest management trials.
• Experience working with other researchers, educators and other extension staff in developing and delivering entomology applied research and educational programs in horticulture.
• Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management. 

Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment 20%

• Apply entomology and pest management matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in Long Island agriculture and commercial landscape horticulture communities’ pests and pest management.
• Develop program needs assessment, possibly with a multidisciplinary team.
• Analyze program needs.
• Recommend programmatic offerings, enhancements, and improvements.
• Maintain links with Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, program advisory groups, and program participants for program assessment guidance and to assure assessment is within scope of Statewide Plan of Work.
• May have linkages with other university or associations for program assessment and guidance.

Program Development 15%

• Apply entomology and pest management knowledge to develop educational strategies.
• Create innovative educational program in entomology and pest management.
• Research, identify, and select existing resources for the program.
• Create program materials to address public needs.
• Structure programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants.
• May work with multidisciplinary team efforts to develop program to address priority issues.
• Develop well-integrated Association educational efforts.
• Develop programs to meet changing local and regional issues.
• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
• Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.
• May assist in program development to meet changing multi-association issues.
• Maintain links with Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, program advisory groups, and program participants for program development guidance.
• May have linkages with other Land Grant university faculty and program units for program development guidance.        

Program Delivery 20%

• Apply in-depth expertise in entomology and pest management to create lesson plans to deliver educational program.
• Conduct educational programs through meetings, seminars, committees, individual counseling, and mass media on all relevant aspects of entomology and pest management.
• Teach innovative educational programs with discretion.
• Serve as subject matter expert in entomology and pest management to program committees, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and clientele, including agencies and other groups on a local, regional and statewide basis.
• As a team member, serve as a resource expert to other Cornell staff in cooperative projects and programs. 
• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
• May be involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to deliver program.
• Maintain direct linkage with CU faculty and program units for program delivery guidance.
• Serve as the direct linkage with other university faculty or associations for program delivery guidance.
• Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
• Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation 10%

• Apply entomological expertise to evaluate educational program.
• Design or create program evaluation framework.
• Implement program evaluation.
• Analyze collected program evaluation data.
• Make recommendations for improvements.
• May be involved in multidisciplinary team and/or multi-association team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.
• May have direct linkage with other universities or associations for program evaluation guidance.
• Interpret evaluation data to the constituencies.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings.
• Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of programs.
• Ensure program evaluation is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Applied Research 10%

• Assist in conducting applied research in conjunction with Cornell and/or Land Grant University faculty as outlined in CCE program definition and standard, based on priorities determined by advisory groups and program participants as appropriate. Emphasis is on new and innovative approaches to pest management with special attention to environmental (particularly groundwater) and health issues.
• Assist in collaboration with Cornell and/or Land Grant faculty to design or create applied research framework.
• Offer arthropod diagnostic services to commercial audiences and provide indirect diagnostic support for Home Horticulture labs.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell university faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.
• May have direct linkages with other Land Grant University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.
• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
• Ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction 5%

• Interpret Association and Cornell University program direction in planning the delivery of established program goals.
• Plan structure of delivery of programs via various media and methods.
• May assist in the continued refinement of a system of ongoing citizen involvement that expresses community demographics.
• Plan financial budgets for Entomology Program projects, based on program needs.
• Plan effective program publicity and outreach.
• May assist in developing and/or enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, community leaders, and community partners for program function.
• May assist in developing Association’s marketing efforts related to successes, research initiatives, and flagship programs.
• Make recommendations to staffing plan development process.

               

Management 10%

• May assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within Entomology program and general public, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies, and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-based.
• Monitor income and expenses to ensure spending is within budget.
• Effectively identify and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives.
• Guide the implementation of communication strategies.
• Effectively allocate human resources to accomplish program objectives.
• Supervise and guide staff activities to achieve program objectives, including performance reviews, as needed.
• Manage financial budgets based on program needs.

Coordination/Operation 5%

• Compile existing resources into educational program materials.
• Implement established program schedule.
• Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework.
• Collect applied research data based on existing framework.
• Collect program needs assessment data based on existing framework.
• Coordinate program implementation, planning, and activities efforts.
• Compile complete required financial documentation for grant or funding proposals.

Professional Improvement 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including, but not limited to, attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs, and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement, and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy Applied to all duties and functions.

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Suffolk County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the organization's overall success by performing all assigned duties professionally, timely, and accurately.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION DETAILS:

Hour:                                      Full-Time 40 hours per week

Benefits:                                 Full Benefits

Date Position Available:      Until Filled

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants : Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 or via email at [email protected]

  

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and New York State residents.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

  

Job Title:

Association Resource Educator

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Nicholas Ng

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.