Job Information
Texas A&M University Extension Program Specialist I-IPM Entomology in United States
Job Title
Extension Program Specialist I-IPM Entomology
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Department
Ipm
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Wharton, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Serve as an effective team member to plan, produce, implement and evaluate educational programs, products and services.
General Duties and Responsibilities: Contribute to faculty/staff training and assistance, as needed, and serve as a resource to other faculty and staff. 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 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. 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.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Work with agricultural producers in the Texas Upper Gulf Coast, with emphasis in Wharton, Jackson, Colorado, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Austin and Matagorda counites. The Program Specialist will be provided with office space at the Texas A&M AgriLife Wharton County office and possible secondary office space and access to research land at the David R. Wintermann Rice Research Station at Eagle Lake. The Program Specialist will develop and deliver educational programming relating to crop production and integrated pest management. Primary field crops in the unit are cotton, corn, grain sorghum, rice, forage, and soybeans. Develop an IPM Steering Committee and rely on them for program direction and to prioritize educational programming. Development of field scouting, demonstration/applied research projects and programs for educational outreach to growers and local citizens is expected. The Program Specialist is expected to provide county programming support to the forementioned counties. The Program Specialist will receive technical support from Extension Specialists and Research Scientists associated with the Texas A&M Research and Extension Centers in Corpus Christi, Beaumont, and at Texas A&M University, College Station. The Program Specialist will write a newsletter, reports (including an annual report of activities), publications and educational materials and the individual is expected to evaluate the impact of extension programs (including an in-depth outcome report of a signature program annually). The Program Specialist is expected to attend and participate in activities for professional improvement and participate and present information at professional meetings. The 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.
Required Education and Experience:
- BS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field and 2 years of related experience. Degree must be completed by August 2024.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- MS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and experience in design, implementation and evaluation of educational programs, and knowledge of field crop production and IPM.
Experience in conducting applied field-oriented research in insect pest management and agronomic crop production.
Ability to work closely with various audiences, communicate effectively (both oral and written), function effectively as a team member or leader.
Administrative Relationships:
The individual selected will be primarily supervised by the IPM Coordinator, with secondary supervision by the District Extension Directors in Extension Districts 9 and 11, and the Southeast Regional Program Leader. The Program Specialist will be a member of the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Application Instructions:
An application should contain 1) A current resume or curriculum vitae, and 2) Contact information for three references.
Review of applications will begin one week after the initial posting of the position on the Texas A&M University System job site and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact Peggy Lundstrom (peggy.lundstrom@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.
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