Director of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

Agency: Cornell Cooperative Extension College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Location: Geneva, NY
Job Category: Full Time Positions
Website: https://college.agrilife.org/entojobs/wp-content/uploads/sites/79/2019/09/IPM-New-York-State-Director.pdf
Description: Who We Are The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world. CCE connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology with off-campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City. The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program develops sustainable ways to manage pests and helps people to use methods that minimize environmental, health, and economic risks. NYS IPM is an internationally recognized program that has conducted extension and research in many agricultural commodities and community settings for more than 30 years. New York State IPM promotes pollinator protection, systems approaches, and biological control in its mission to reduce risks from pests and pest management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a continuously evolving approach to pest management that strives to minimize environmental, health, and economic risks in agricultural and community settings. IPM systems can be particularly useful in improving the sustainability and profitability of high-value specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, greenhouses, and nurseries. The integration of newer technologies with existing IPM approaches will generate innovative production systems that help address stakeholder concerns about negative impacts of current pest management approaches, and strengthen New York State’s role as a leader in agricultural and community settings. Key Responsibilities as Director You will direct the New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYS IPM) Program by leading a staff of over 20 IPM and communications specialists. You will be responsible for setting priorities within NYS IPM for extension, research, and communications activities. You will maintain current funding streams while developing new sources from both the private and public sectors. Additionally, you will lead collaboration among NYS IPM staff, Cornell University faculty, and CCE educators to implement IPM in New York State. The job duties include: • Conducting extension programming and applied research within your own area of specialization. • Researching IPM techniques, including biologically-based and cultural practices for management of disease, insect, weed, and mammalian pests. • Communicating IPM impacts and activities to CALS and CCE Administration, local and state government agencies, state legislators, federal agencies, and federal representatives • Securing new, and maintaining current, diversified funding sources and associated reporting on program activities and impacts • Enhancing the partnerships between the NYS IPM Program, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell’s Ithaca campus, the Cornell Regional Agriculture Specialist teams, and CCE educators across the state. • Representing NYS IPM and act as a liaison with CCE, CALS, government agencies, growers, pest control professionals, other IPM practitioners, and other stakeholders. This position is full-time and will be located in Geneva, New York. This is a five-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance. To apply: Please apply via Academic Jobs On-line. Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website. Application Materials Required: Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application: • Cover Letter • Curriculum Vitae • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement • Three References (no actual letters, just names and email addresses ) And anything else requested in the description. Further Info: 518-434-4157 126 State Street Suite 200 Albany, New York 12207 Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. For more information, please contact Julie Suarez at jcs433@cornell.edu.
Qualifications: Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. degree required in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture or a closely related field. • Must have a strong background in integrated pest management. • Be able to design, execute and analyze complex field experiments. • 6+ years of related work experience in Extension education and/or research in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension. • Experience in interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research. • Skilled at establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks. • Demonstrated skill in developing written educational materials and conducting in-person training. • Ability to incorporate revenue generation into appropriate educational program initiatives including, but not limited to, program fees, partnership development, and grant writing. • Experience in writing grant proposals. • Experience in budget development and management. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development). • Ability to work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) faculty along with faculty in other schools and colleges at Cornell University to develop applied research projects necessary to support a strong extension program. • Must hold New York State pesticide applicator certification or be able to obtain certification within one year of hire. • Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications: • 6+ years of relevant work experience in a pest management related field. • Working knowledge of federal and New York State pesticide laws and regulations.
Job Number: 125
Contact Person: Julie Suarez
Contact Phone: 518-434-4157
Contact eMail: jcs433@cornell.edu