Research Specialist

About the role

Responsible for supervising and participating in extension and research projects related to urban and structural pest management. All projects include frequent travel throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Evaluation of literature relevant to research projects
• Design, modification, and evaluation of research projects
• Generating reports for sponsors
• Presentation of research projects
• Supervision of hourly workers
• Management, coordination, and upkeep of the laboratory insect colonies, vehicles, and equipment
• Maintaining the VT Bed Bug Urban Pest Management Center website and social media assets
• Interacting with research sponsors
• Auxiliarying graduate students

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology, Biology or related area, or equivalent years of training & experience
• Laboratory experience in a biological field or pest management
• Experience using the scientific method in research design and field research experience
• Strong computer skills and ability to maintain a basic website using modern content management systems
• Proficient in standard software including, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to work well with pest management professionals, the public, public housing administrators and residents and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license, and a good driving record
• Some manual labor and lifting will be required
• Willingness to work in cockroach and bed bug infested dwellings
• Must have or be able to obtain a Category 10 pesticide applicator license within the first 6 months of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic statistical packages
• Experience with small power equipment, such as soil augers, drills, weed whackers etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology, Biology or related area, or equivalent years of training & experience
• Laboratory experience in a biological field or pest management
• Experience using the scientific method in research design and field research experience
• Strong computer skills and ability to maintain a basic website using modern content management systems
• Proficient in standard software including, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to work well with pest management professionals, the public, public housing administrators and residents and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license, and a good driving record
• Some manual labor and lifting will be required
• Willingness to work in cockroach and bed bug infested dwellings
• Must have or be able to obtain a Category 10 pesticide applicator license within the first 6 months of employment

Skills

• Strong computer skills
• Proficient in standard software including, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Ability to work well with pest management professionals, the public, public housing administrators and residents and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license, and a good driving record
• Some manual labor and lifting will be required
• Willingness to work in cockroach and bed bug infested dwellings
• Must have or be able to obtain a Category 10 pesticide applicator license within the first 6 months of employment

Benefits

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Pay

Pay Band 4 Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Schedule

Hours per week 40 hours a week

Review Date

08/06/2026

Additional Information

Funding for this position is available for one year, additional years of funding dependent on future grants. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.