Description
State Program Leader – Integrated Pest Management in Commercial Vegetable Production County Agent III (Assistant Professor equivalent)
Department: Agriculture and Natural Resources
Salary: County Agent III - Calendar Year (equivalent to Assistant Professor) as per current AFT/AAUP contract.
Position Summary: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a community-engaged scholar to provide statewide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in our Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), specifically focused on commercial vegetable production. This full-time,12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed at an off-campus Rutgers NJAES Extension Research Farm or county Extension office (TBD), offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of commercial vegetable production and sustainability.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which empowers all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement following the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan), the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/), and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Diversity Equity plan (https://njaes.rutgers.edu/extension/diversity-equity-inclusion/rce-strategic-plan-for-diversity-equity-inclusion.pdf), which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.
Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide statewide leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists specifically for commercial vegetable producers.
The position will:
Provide collaborative statewide leadership for:
o a multidisciplinary state-of-the-art IPM program for commercial vegetable growers
o the educational and development activities in the Vegetable IPM program
o improving and enhancing the sustainability of NJ’s commercial vegetable industries
Identify and expand IPM efforts to include new and emerging crops and issues such as soil health, ag viability, and climate resiliency (weed management, for example).
As the statewide point of contact, provide support for all ANR and RCE in determining research and programmatic needs across the state, and will communicate and interact with commodity groups to evaluate the needs of clientele
Hire, train, and supervise regional staff and seasonal scouts
Actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through outreach, engagement, and recruitment efforts both internally (colleagues and students) and externally (growers and stakeholders).
Responsible for data collection, analysis, and crop-specific recommendations
secure grants, contracts, and other external funding streams to expand/enhance educational programs and apply research efforts.
actively participate in appropriate Departmental, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University, and administrative functions.
establish an outstanding program, the merits of which will lead to regional and/or national recognition.
Development of educational materials, production guides, and recommendations, etc.
Completing on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, conducting demonstrations, and/or participating in ongoing field research.
Encourage adoption of new technologies and techniques in production and pest management
Collaborative efforts with other researchers at Rutgers and across the region and commodity sectors in multidisciplinary projects designed to fill IPM operational voids
In a team approach, strategize current IPM programs into Integrated Crop Management (ICM) efforts, developing multidisciplinary program components, exploring current and future needs of the commercial vegetable industry to develop new educational programs and outreach efforts.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: This position assists clientele in implementing and sustaining proper IPM agricultural practices in commercial vegetable production. Proven track record and ability to:
Explore and implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will improve the viability of commercial agriculture industries
Document effective changes for the sustainability of commercial agricultural industries in NJ
Garner external funding to support and expand programmatic outreach
Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research
Create, deliver, and evaluate programs for professional and grower audiences using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods.
- Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for growers, commercial clientele, students, and interns. Responsibilities may include engaging with Rutgers faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) to increase opportunities for on-farm research and experiential learning at our research farms. Includes recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for hands-on, real-world experience (field trips, lectures, etc.)
- Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned location
- Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues
- Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel
- Participate in appropriate ANR Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.
- Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
- Participate in professional society activities, including presenting papers at national and international meetings.
Minimum Education and Experience: A Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in plant biology, horticultural sciences, entomology, plant pathology, plant or soil sciences, or other closely related fields within the scope of commercial vegetable production is required. In addition, three years of relevant experience following the attainment of the Bachelor’s degree are required. Applicants should have a deep understanding of IPM concepts, applicability, and practice in commercial vegetable cropping systems; and be able to design and implement a program that responds to commodity and grower strengths, assets, and needs, the results of which would lead to robust data collection, evaluation, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. There is an expectation for outreach to a diverse population and an inclusive approach to engagement. Position requirements also include:
- Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse statewide team while also working collaboratively with growers and stakeholders.
- Experience in supervisory and managerial skills and evidence of effective interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience in public speaking and written business-level communication.
- Initiative and creativity – ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed.
- Local, regional, and statewide travel is required; a state vehicle is provided.
Certifications and Licenses: A valid New Jersey driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of starting; the ability to complete Rutgers training as required. A valid NJDEP Pesticide Applicator’s License, or the ability to acquire one within the first 18 months of hire, is also required.
Equipment Utilized: Computer, printer, and related software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite; Email for communications and research, locally and nationally; Equipment related to programming and teaching (laptop, LCD projector, etc.); digital cameras, etc. Demonstrated computer literacy and working knowledge of current and changing electronic technology.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Successfully and efficiently work in both office and research farm settings and field visits. Comfortable and accustomed to working in rural agricultural settings.
Overview: The Rutgers Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program helps growers in New Jersey and across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions reduce and optimize pesticide use, improve farm viability, and cut costs. The program combines education, outreach, monitoring, and forecasting to address pests and diseases across various sectors. New Jersey’s commercial vegetable industries, valued at over $295M, thrive with support from the IPM Program, which includes seasonal pest monitoring, new detection methods, and degree-day pest modeling to minimize economic losses.
Statement: Members of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and natural resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management (IPM), and other related subjects. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/anr/.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please provide a statement on your understanding and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion at Rutgers University-SEBS-Rutgers Cooperative Extension (for additional information, go to Rutgers University Diversity Plan https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/), and the Cooperative Extension Diversity Equity plan (https://njaes.rutgers.edu/extension/diversity-equity-inclusion/rce-strategic-plan-for-diversity-equity-inclusion.pdf.
Campus: Rutgers University / New Brunswick
Home Location Campus: Off Campus
Location Details: Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension, specific location TBD
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Required Documents
1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3. List of Professional References (Contact Info)
4. Personal Statement on Teaching, Extension Practice, and Service
5. Statement of Values: Provide a statement that describes examples of your experiences in leadership, mentoring, and/or community engagement that resonate with the values and mission of Rutgers University as a land grant university serving a diverse state and student body.
6. Copy of Unofficial Transcripts
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement.
