Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP)
Crop Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer, and environmental Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
The Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities as well as state of the art teaching facilities.
The University of Illinois also offers outstanding facilities in computing, data science, and genomic analysis as well as many other areas of potential support. The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.
PRIMARY FUNCTION
Work as a member of the interdisciplinary Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team to prepare and conduct training programs for commercial and private pesticide applicators and operators in Illinois.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop innovative educational materials regarding the proper and safe use of pesticides and delivery mechanisms related to 13 categories of commercial and private applicators and operators with the objective of improving the efficacy of educational and outreach initiatives.
- Deliver training programs and initiatives that support state licensing requirements, while proactively promoting efficient techniques for using pesticides safely.
- Review and disseminate research information and develop educational materials and media using this information.
- Respond to questions and information requests from clientele and the public regarding specialized topic areas, including but not limited to: current pest control recommendations, pesticide usage, horticulture, plant identification, and weed science.
- Interact with state and federal regulatory personnel as needed.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of educational programs.
EDUCATION
Required: BS degree in horticulture, agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or related field.
Preferred: MS or Ph.D. in horticulture, agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or related field.
EXPERIENCE
Required: One years' experience in public speaking, writing, and development of educational materials.
Preferred: Experience with or knowledge of various plant pests and their control using pesticides.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
A working knowledge of pest management practices including pesticides and their proper use; competence in public speaking, writing, and development of educational materials.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position does require overnight travel to conduct in-person training clinics primarily held November-May. A combination of 1-day and 2-day clinics are held across the state in conjunction with each other where appropriate in order to reduce additional needed travel. Clinics are primarily conducted with more than one team member and a carpool vehicle is typically used.
APPOINTMENT STATUS
This is a 12-month, 100%-time academic professional position.
SALARY
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
PROPOSED STARTING DATE
This position is available as soon as possible after the closing date.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Please upload a cover letter indicating your qualifications, resume, and contact information for three professional references by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 1, 2023. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Michelle Wiesbrook, buesinge@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
Please visit Requires Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.