Assistant-Associate Specialist Integrated Pest Management

Assistant-Associate Specialist Integrated Pest Management

University of California - Agriculture and Natural Resources is hiring an Assistant-Associate Specialist For Integrated Pest Management located at UCCE Stanislaus in Modesto, CA (USA). For more information and how to apply, follow the link: https://ucanr.edu/About/Jobs/?jobnum=2190 .

The Assistant - Associate Specialist for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will assist in all phases of applied arthropod pest management research and extension efforts in the northern San Joaquin Valley. The position will be headquartered at UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto and be responsible for conducting IPM research and extension activities in three northern San Joaquin Valley counties. The candidate will also be involved in national and statewide projects for collaborative project activities.

The position will provide independent input to the research - designing and conducting applied entomology/pest management research in tree fruit and tree nut crops. The specific activities include creating protocols and insect and plant samplings, conducting the lab, semi-field, and field studies, designing studies to understand the biology and phenology of insect pests following specific study protocols. The Specialist will work primarily on projects focusing on major pests of tree fruit and nut crop systems. The targeted insect pests include Pacific flatheaded borer, stink bugs including the invasive brown marmorated stick bug, spotted wing drosophila, and navel orangeworm. The position will perform a leading role in pest management research activities of the IPM lab and lead technicians and seasonal student assistants. The Specialist will utilize expertise in research data collection and summarization and statistical analysis and will be actively involved in assisting the supervisor/PI in organizing extension and field meetings, conference calls, and other professional activities. The Specialist is administratively responsible to the Area IPM Advisor at UCCE Stanislaus.

A master's degree or other advanced degrees in disciplines such as Entomology, Pest Management, Horticultural Science, or a closely related field is required by the appointment date. The Specialist must demonstrate evidence of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. It is highly desirable for the Specialist to have background or experience in insect rearing and lab- and field-based pest management research in tree systems are preferred. In addition, the ability to obtain a Qualified Pesticide Applicator Certificate (QAC) or License prior to applying or supervising the application of any pesticide.

The Assistant-Associate Specialist position is a non-career track position. The position is a one-year term appointment with a merit cycle every two years. The performance in the position will be evaluated annually. The position will be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by August 9, 2022.