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The University of Connecticut, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) is seeking a full-time Assistant Extension Educator to fulfill the mission of the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab.  This is an 11-month, non-tenure track position renewed annually with the expectation of long-term employment. Collaboration with staff and faculty in the PSLA and Extension departments is a key component of this position, and the incumbent will provide support for extension programs at the UConn Home & Garden Education Center, the Commercial Turf Diagnostic Laboratory, the Integrated Pest Management team, and the UConn Master Gardener program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will manage the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory in collaboration with the Home and Garden Education Center Coordinator and will include diagnosis of commercial and residential horticultural problems utilizing microscopy and culture and non-culture based diagnostic tests. The successful candidate will summarize results from diagnosis and identification of problems and provide recommendations for corrective actions to lab patrons in timely written reports. Participation in the National Plant Diagnostic Network and administration of the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network (NEPDN) at UConn is expected and involves grant writing and reporting. The incumbent will oversee lab budgets, equipment, lab safety, and personnel. The incumbent will be a member of the UConn Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Team and provide technical support to the Commercial Turf Diagnostic Laboratory. Occasional travel and work during weekends and evenings are required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential as this job requires the ability to write, or contribute to, a monthly newspaper column and blog posting, fact sheets, the annual UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory summary report, NEPDN grant proposal and progress reports, as well as other publications as needed. In addition, the individual will give educational presentations to diverse audiences on numerous horticultural topics.  He or she will represent the UConn Home & Garden Education Center and the University at state, regional and national events and conferences.  Contributions to undergraduate and graduate classes are also expected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned Master’s degree in plant health management or related field
• Knowledge and experience in diagnosing plant health-related problems including damage from insects; diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and viruses; weed identification; and abiotic disorders across a broad range of ornamental and edible crop species
• Experience teaching adults
• Demonstrated competence working in collaboration with colleagues
• Proven experience with plant diagnostic laboratory protocols
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours including occasional nights and weekends and must be willing and able to travel statewide
• Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge about New England horticulture
• Cooperative Extension experience
• Skills in grant writing and management
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating adult education programs
• Budgeting experience
• Proficiency with digital photography
• Ability to develop and implement small-scale grant-funded research programs

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is an 11-month per year, non-tenure track faculty position. Starting salary will be commensurate with successful candidate’s experience and training.

This is a full-time position with a benefits package. For more information on benefits, go to: http://www.hr.uconn.edu/benefits/index.html. Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel is allowed for personal vehicle use. Final applicants will be subject to a background screening.

TO APPLY

Select “Apply Now” to be redirected to Academic Jobs Online to complete your application. Please submit a letter of application that addresses qualifications identified in the advertisement, a resume or curriculum vitae and a list of three references with contact information. Applications and supporting materials will be reviewed until a candidate has been identified.

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search #2019247)

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

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The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty, and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural, and diverse community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.