Job Information
Texas A&M University Extension Program Specialist I -Integrated Pest Management or Extension Program Specialist II - Integrated Pest Management in United States
Job Title
Extension Program Specialist I -Integrated Pest Management or Extension Program Specialist II - Integrated Pest Management
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Department
Ipm
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
El Paso, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Position: Extension Program Specialist I or II (Integrated Pest Management). Appointment is 100% Extension in a non-tenure track, 12-month position.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center – El Paso, Texas
Overview: The Extension Program Specialist (Integrated Pest Management) will develop and deliver Extension educational programming with a supporting applied research component designed to resolve problems of importance to pecans and field crops in Far West Texas (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 6), with emphasis in El Paso and Hudspeth counties, which primarily includes pecans, cotton, alfalfa, and vegetables.
Primary Responsibilities:
Work with agricultural producers and urban clientele in Far West Texas (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 6), with emphasis in El Paso and Hudspeth counties.
Provide technical expertise and develop and deliver educational pest management programming on pecans, cotton, and other crops of importance in Far West Texas.
Develop an IPM Steering Committee comprised of clientele to help identify regional industry needs.
Use traditional and innovative Extension outreach techniques to educate producers, agricultural consultants, and agri-industry personnel.
Develop a clientele supported pest scouting program with emphasis on pecans and cotton, and other crops as needed.
Provide support and training for Extension County Programs and County Agents in District 6.
Work closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel in the departments of Soil and Crop Sciences, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology and Microbiology to develop cross-disciplinary Extension and research programs.
Collaborate with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel at other AgriLife Centers and on campus on projects related to pecan pest management and Fusarium Wilt Race 4 in cotton.
Secure funding from appropriate sources and publish a regionally relevant IPM newsletter and other Extension outreach materials.
Evaluate the impact of Extension programs (including an annual in-depth outcome report of a signature program).
Attend and participate in activities for professional improvement and participate and present information at professional meetings.
Provide service to the Department of Entomology, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and professional societies or organizations.
Other duties as required.
The Extension Program Specialist, under general supervision, implements and plans educational programs and activities in assigned program areas. Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities.
Qualifications:
We are recruiting for one position at either the Extension Program Specialist I or Extension Program Specialist II level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.
Required Education and Experience - Extension Program Specialist I:
- BS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field. Two years of professional related experience.
Preferred Education and Experience - Extension Program Specialist I:
- MS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Extension Program Specialist I
Knowledge of pecan and cotton insect pests.
Knowledge and experience in design, implementation and evaluation of educational programs, and knowledge of pecan and cotton production and IPM.
Experience in conducting applied field-oriented research in insect, weed or disease management, and agronomic crop production.
Ability to work closely with various audiences, communicate effectively (both oral and written), and function effectively as a team member or leader.
Ability to plan, conduct, and evaluate applied research/demonstrations.
Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
Required Education and Experience - Extension Program Specialist II:
- MS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field and a minimum of three years of experience. Five or more years of professional related experience.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Extension Program Specialist II:
Knowledge of pecan and cotton insect pests.
Knowledge and experience in design, implementation and evaluation of educational programs, and knowledge of pecan and cotton production and IPM.
Experience in conducting applied field-oriented research in insect, weed or disease management, and agronomic crop production.
Ability to work closely with various audiences, communicate effectively (both oral and written), and function effectively as a team member or leader.
Ability to plan, conduct, and evaluate applied research/demonstrations.
Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
Administrative Relationships: The incumbent will be primarily supervised by the Associate Department Head, Department of Entomology, with secondary supervision by the District Extension Directors in Extension District 6, and the Regional Program Director. The Extension Program Specialist will be a member of the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Salary and Benefits: Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits available include group medical insurance, dental insurance, group and individual life insurance, long-term disability insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement plan with Texas A&M System contribution, sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays and administrative leave days, and unemployment compensation.
Review of applications will begin June 17, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
Application Instructions:
An application should contain 1) A current resume or curriculum vitae, and 2) Contact information for three references.
External candidates apply through The Texas A&M Extension Service website to position R-074302 .
Internal candidates apply through Workday position R-074302 .
Contact Peggy Lundstrom - peggy.lunstrom@ag.tamu.edu for additional application instructions.
Visit http://entomology.tamu.edu for more information about the department.
Contact Dr. David Kerns at david.kerns@ag.tamu.edu more information about the position.
General Responsibilities for Extension Program Specialists:
People
Identify, train and support volunteers to enhance effective adult and/or youth education programs as appropriate for position.
Contribute to faculty/staff training and assistance, as needed, and serve as a resource to other faculty and staff.
Programs
Manage projects and priorities to effectively plan and deliver educational programs utilizing available technology in program development and delivery.
Work to effectively coordinate and integrate programs relevant to subject matter expertise.
Determine and understand the needs and interests of targeted audiences for effective program delivery.
Implement effective approaches to the problem-solving processes involved in producing educational programs and services for clientele.
Develop effective learning environments for adult and youth audiences.
Assess and report impacts of programs, utilizing feedback and evaluations to improve teaching effectiveness.
Provide expertise for disciplinary, multi-disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary programming and projects of the agency.
Partnerships
Support grant-seeking activities.
Work cooperatively with industry and other external groups to advance organizational goals.
Work with individuals, organizations, agencies and/or corporate entities to provide financial and in-kind support for Extension programming.
Contribute effectively to coordinated program efforts which extend beyond the department or unit.
Coordinate agency activities with appropriate units and individuals to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Contribute to professional and industry organizations through membership, attendance and service.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/extension-home/)
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/college-home/)
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/agency/tvmdl-home/)
Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners.
Prospective employee benefits
Retirement programs
Commitment to inclusive excellence (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/)
Strategic plan