Position Announcement Extension Entomologist/State Pesticide
Education Coordinator
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
We are seeking an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist
for an 11-month tenure-track 100% extension appointment to provide
statewide leadership programs focused on management of arthropod
pests in fruits and nuts in commercial and small farm production, and
pesticide safety education. Salary is commensurate with experience
and qualifications. Evaluation of applicants begins December 3, 2012.
The successful candidate is expected to develop educational programs
for arthropod management (including pollinators) in fruits, nuts and
one or two additional commodities for delivery to county Extension
educators, area Extension specialists, producers, allied agribusiness
and industry personnel and the Master Gardener program.
Responsibilities include providing curricula, training and support
for Extension educators and area Extension specialists, developing
timely, proactive publications and presentations regarding management
of insect pests affecting fruits and nuts. The successful candidate
is expected to work closely with other Research and Extension teams
and allied agencies, and acquire extramural funds to support program
delivery and conduct an applied research program that complements the
Extension program. Mentoring graduate students is expected.
The incumbent will also serve as the Oklahoma Pesticide Coordinator
who provides leadership for the Pesticide Safety Education Program
(PSEP), a well-established nationally recognized extension program
dealing with initial and re-certification of Private, Commercial, and
Non-commercial pesticide applicators throughout Oklahoma. PSEP is
responsible for developing resource materials (print, digital,
web-based) to support educational programs in Private and Commercial
pesticide applicator training. The PSEP is also a resource for
responding to questions and issues of pesticide use and regulations
by the general public and the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences
and Natural Resources faculty, staff, students, and governmental agencies.
The Pesticide Education Coordinator is expected to work closely with
the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, to review
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requests from numerous organizations,
and provide subject-matter expertise in all applicable pesticide
certification categories. The successful candidate is expected to
interact with the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) at both
the national and Region VI levels.
The successful candidate is also expected to foster collaborations
with the OSU Integrated Pest Management program and the Plant Disease
and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory to develop extension materials and
deliver pest management recommendations, as well as cultivate
interactive working relationships with key agricultural, consumer,
industry, and commodity groups.
An earned doctorate in entomology or a closely related field is
required. Preferred qualifications include experience in pesticide
applicator certification training, Worker Protection Standards,
Section 18 (emergency or crisis exemptions) and 24c (state local
needs) labels. Experience with fruit, nut, and vegetable crop
protection is desirable. Applications must include the following: (1)
application letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of extension
and research interests, (4) official transcripts that include the
date Ph.D. conferred, and (5) contact information
for four persons available to provide a letter of recommendation.
Email applications are acceptable. Send materials to:
Ms. Barbara Brown ([email protected])
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
127 Noble Research Center
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
Phone: (405) 744-5530
Questions should be directed to Dr. Brad Kard, Search Committee Chair
([email protected]; phone: 405-744-2142)
Oklahoma State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment
Opportunity/E-Verify employer committed to diversity.
OSU is a tobacco-free campus.
