Seasonal Agricultural Workers-Vegetable IPM Program

Position Details
Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Seasonal Agricultural Workers-Vegetable IPM Program
Posting Number	24TM0043
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 Vegetable IPM Program within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Vegetable 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 vegetables while minimizing pesticide inputs. The program also develops real-time GIS-based predictive models of pest activity and seeks to maintain populations of beneficial insects, incorporate biological control tactics where practical, utilize reduced risk pesticides and employ resistance management strategies. The program works cooperatively with researchers in demonstrating new technologies and measuring the impact of reduced risk pest management practices. Technicians must want to work in the field and learn new concepts that contribute to the wellbeing of agriculture in New Jersey. The data taken by technicians is used to manage over $100 million of crop value, reduce the environmental impact of traditional agricultural systems, and minimize non-point source pollution. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Responsible for regular data collection (2 times per week per site), identifying pest and disease presence, identifying beneficial arthropods, completing IPM reports for participating growers, providing weekly summaries of insect catch data for supervisors, and collecting plant tissue samples when needed. May share duties on field research projects with entomology and plant pathology specialists. Assists in pre-planning seasonal field activities, therefore, starting on an earlier date.
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-$20.00/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 and plant pathology.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	During growing season technicians spend almost 100% of their time outside in field conditions.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Open Date	02/15/2024
Posting Close Date	08/15/2024
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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