This is a non-tenure tract Extension Specialist I position (professional), plant pathologist, 100 % extension. The Extension Plant Pathologist position reports to the Chair of the Plant and Soil Sciences department in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Input on work expectations and performance will be provided by the Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension.
The position is part of a multi-disciplinary team of faculty and professionals at the University of Delaware and UD Cooperative Extension in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He/she will provide primary leadership and educational opportunities in the development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive outreach and educational program in plant pathology in Delaware based on local and regional needs.
The agricultural industry is vital to the economy of Delaware and a diverse range of agronomic and horticultural crops of economic importance are grown in the state including grains, vegetables, and ornamentals. The Extension Plant Pathologist will develop and lead a statewide extension program in plant pathology that supports Delaware’s agricultural industry, provide applied research on plant diseases of state-wide importance as well as translational science in the form of educational programming on the management of plant diseases. This information is conveyed to a range of audiences including but not limited to extension staff and volunteers; producers and producer groups; crop consultants; industry personnel; federal, state, and local governmental agencies such as the Delaware Department of Agriculture and USDA/APHIS. The position will work closely with these individuals and groups on plant disease issues affecting the state and region.
This position will serve as an expert source in plant pathology for agronomic and horticultural crops, identifying plant diseases and related plant health problems, monitoring diseases in the state, evaluating disease and nematode control programs, developing and reviewing plant disease control recommendations, and providing information through educational programing, trainings, publications, and electronic media.
The position will work to increase the use of integrated pest management (IPM) practices for management of plant diseases including resistant varieties, crop rotations and cropping systems, and disease monitoring and forecasting.
The candidate will collaborate with and provide assistance to the UD plant diagnostic clinic and is expected to collaborate with colleagues working in areas of plant pathology, integrated pest management, and production agriculture at the university, state, regional and national level.
The University of Delaware’s main campus is located in Newark, DE. Additional information related to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, and Cooperative Extension at the following web site: http://ag.udel.edu. In addition, the University has a Research and Education Center near Georgetown, DE (http://www.rec.udel.edu), and Extension offices in Newark and Dover.
Job Requirements
The candidate must have a Master’s degree, Ph.D. preferred, in a discipline related to plant pathology, a strong fundamental background in plant pathology, and 4 or more years’ plant pathology extension, industry, or research experience. Experience in agronomic and/or horticultural crops is preferred.The candidate must have the ability to conduct applied research and educational programs that address plant disease issues, the ability to integrate research findings into development of educational and training materials and to solve problems, and the ability to work collaboratively as well as the flexibility to communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds ranging from academic to the general public. The candidate must have aptitude for both leadership and team membership roles and effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated skills with computer use, data analysis, web-based education, and electronic communication are an additional requirement.
Job Materials
Interested persons should submit: (i) a letter of application, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) statement of Extension interests (two pages maximum), and (iv) names, email, postal address, and telephone numbers of four references. Complete applications should be assembled into a single PDF document and uploaded into the online application system (http://www.udel.edu/udjobs/, select Staff under Apply Now). Questions regarding the search can be sent to Dr. Gordon Johnson, Search Committee Chair: gcjohn@udel.edu
Employment offers will be conditioned upon successful completion of a criminal background check. A conviction will not necessarily exclude you from employment.
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members and Women. The University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html
Salary
Commensurate with experience and training. The University of Delaware provides an excellent employee benefit package including health and dental insurance, retirement contributions, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and tuition remission for family members.
Application Dates
Application deadline is August 31, 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified. The position is available as early as October 31, 2012.
