Seasonal Agricultural Workers-Fruit IPM Program

Position Details
Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Seasonal Agricultural Workers-Fruit IPM Program
Posting Number	24TM0044
Department	SEBS - RCE-Pest Management
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking Seasonal Agricultural Workers for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Under the guidance and direction of the Sr. Program Coordinator of the Fruit IPM program at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center off-Campus farm, these positions perform assistance to the IPM program with field and laboratory work. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program is an educational/service program for commercial agriculture in New Jersey. Driven by environmental monitoring and field scouting, and relying on up-to date research, the program strives to help growers produce high quality fruit while minimizing inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, and maximizing honey bee and pollinator health. The program seeks to optimize the use of reduced risk strategies, computerized phenology models of insects and diseases, mating disruption and other biological intensive management practices, and GIS technologies. The program works cooperatively with researchers, demonstrates new technologies and measures the impact of reduced risk IPM practices. The work is used to manage over $180 million of crop value, reduce the environmental impact of traditional agricultural systems, and minimize non-point source pollution. Among the duties of this position are the following: Responsible for regular data collection (1- 2 times per week per site), identifying pest presence, identifying beneficial arthropods, completing IPM reports for participating growers, mapping pest presence, entering data into a database, the use of GPS receivers and GIS databases where appropriate, plant tissue and soil sampling, and monitoring honey bee colony health. Technicians may share duties on field research projects with entomology and plant pathology specialists. Field technicians will be working in commercial blueberry fields, vineyards, and orchards and/or with honeybees.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week	40 or less
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Position Salary	$15.13-$22.00/hour
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Terms of Appointment	Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.
Certifications/Licenses	Valid NJ Driver’s License. Use of personal vehicle is required.
Preferred Qualifications	Competence in MS Excel and web-based Google software is helpful. Technicians should have coursework in environmental studies, agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology, and /or GIS databases.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	During the growing season technicians spend almost 100% of their time outside in field conditions.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Open Date	02/19/2024
Posting Close Date	08/19/2024
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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