Integrated Pest Management Associate - Extension Service

About The Opportunity

The successful candidate is expected to assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities.

What You'll Do

• Assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various services and applied research activities
• Routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics
• Monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds
• Assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations
• Assist with grower training and development of training materials
• Maintain an inventory of MSDS of pesticides
• Assist with data collection from field experiments and repair materials for reports
• Maintain records of pest and disease specimens, weed herbaria, live weed specimens
• Maintain a database and enter data into the national 'Plant Diagnostic Information System'
• Gathering supplementary information on specific host-pest combination
• Traveling to various sites within the state to collect pest specimens and routine maintenance of isolate collections at the plant diagnostic clinic
• Attend training meetings and assist with outreach programmatic activities
• Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April–August) to perform important pest scouting duties

Requirements

• B.S. in Plant Science with supporting course work preferably in horticulture, agronomy, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and weed science
• A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
  • Experimental and laboratory techniques
  • Data collection and processing
  • Computer skills in Excel, Word, and data analysis
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment
• Valid Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently in an environment with low level supervision after appropriate training is provided

Benefits

WVU offers generous benefits at a pro-rated basis, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• Paid holidays
• Annual leave (vacation)
• Sick days (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments)
• Range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match
• Eligibility to continue health insurance and other retiree perks
• Wellness programs

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees. From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures. At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers. Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact.