New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

Senior Extension Associate

Working Title: Livestock and Field Crops IPM Coordinator

Name and Title of Immediate Supervisor:

Dr. Jennifer Grant, Director, New York State IPM Program

Summary Statement of Job’s overall purpose

The position of Livestock and Field Crops IPM Coordinator in the New York State IPM Program is needed to facilitate and lead statewide IPM demonstration, implementation, and research activities in Livestock (primarily Dairy and Beef Cattle), and field and forage crops production within Cornell Cooperative Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This position addresses the needs associated with:

-multi-county and statewide IPM program planning

-impact documentation

-evaluation of pest management practices

-applied IPM research

-on-farm demonstration of IPM

-development of educational IPM programs and materials, and

-promotion of IPM adoption by farmers.

This position requires multidisciplinary knowledge and activity including, but not limited to, the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and agronomy. Please note that this position requires a wide range of knowledge and skills across field crops and livestock IPM. We realize that potential candidates may not have experience in all the aspects of the position, but they must be willing to learn and grow into those areas.

The NYS IPM Program

The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) is a nationally recognized leader in the development and promotion of IPM practices. The mission of NYSIPM is to develop sustainable ways to manage disease, insect, weed, and wildlife pests and to help people use methods that minimize environmental, health, and economic risks. NYS IPM has both Agricultural and Community programs, with issues and settings that overlap. NYSIPM’s Agricultural IPM programming includes fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and livestock and field crops. Community IPM is the management of insects, weeds, plant diseases and wildlife in all settings that are non-production such as lawns, gardens, landscapes, golf courses, parks, and buildings; and also includes invasive species and public health pests. The personnel of NYS IPM operate in a collegial and cooperative environment where teamwork is emphasized and appreciated.

Initial one-year term with probable extension for additional four years contingent upon secured funding and successful performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

Program Development (35%)

• Develop a statewide educational program in Livestock and Field Crops Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities.  Emphasis is on the demonstration and adoption of principles and practices.
• Consult with IPM and commodity advisory committees, extension educators, faculty, growers, private consultants, Area IPM Extension Educators, and ag business personnel to assess the needs of the industry and ways to best reduce environmental, health and economic risks with IPM.
• Lead a cohesive and coordinated effort to promote adoption of Livestock and Field Crops IPM practices.
• Develop creative educational materials in support of Livestock and Field Crops IPM, such as manuals, fact sheets, videos, websites, apps, etc.
• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of Cornell University.
• The Livestock and Field Crops IPM Coordinator will also work cooperatively with Community IPM program staff in the development of IPM programs, particularly as needs for fly IPM may overlap between community and agricultural settings.
• Lead and cooperate on grant and funding proposals with agencies, organizations, faculty and extension personnel, which will address IPM applied research, implementation and education needs; generate program support; and enhance and extend program opportunities.

Applied Research (20%)

Conduct applied, integrated research programs designed to fill IPM knowledge gaps, in cooperation with appropriate faculty and extension field staff, and/or independently.

Program Implementation (25%)

• Implement a statewide educational program in Livestock and Field Crops Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Facilitate adoption of Livestock and Field Crops IPM methods.
• Plan and execute IPM demonstrations.
• Provide technical guidance and educational support for extension off-campus staff, especially IPM Extension Educators in Livestock and Field Crops.
• Train people how to implement IPM.
• When necessary, supervise personnel conducting various research and extension activities.
• Lead and coordinate Livestock and Field Crops IPM Extension activities.
• Foster strong collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the many individuals and groups that support IPM.

Program Evaluation (10%)

• Evaluate, document and report the impact of Livestock and Field Crops IPM projects, programs and practices.
• Identify and report IPM knowledge gaps and information transfer problems.
• Share results in quarterly and annual reports to the IPM Program and federal and state agencies.
• Present results of IPM implementation and research projects at appropriate county, state, and national meetings.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences and workshops appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.
• Attend in-service education and other professional development opportunities as needed in relation to program responsibilities.
• Stay informed of advances in livestock and field crop pest management.
• Submit professional improvement plan and constructively evaluate self-performance for improvement and subject matter excellence.
• Participate in related regional, statewide, and national professional organizations as appropriate.

Supervision (5%)

• Provide supervision and guidance for IPM Extension Educator located in eastern NY (currently K. Wise).
• Provide supervision and guidance for technical support staff, as needed.
• Evaluate performance and provide professional development opportunities.

Required Qualifications

·       M.S. required in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy, animal science, general agriculture or a closely related field.

·       Must have a strong background in integrated pest management and applied research and Extension/outreach.

·       Minimum of 8 years professional experience in Extension education and/or research in IPM or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience in these areas as a graduate student might apply. Must possess agricultural experience with ability to relate to routine farm situations. Please note that this position requires a wide range of knowledge and skills across field crops and livestock IPM. We realize that potential candidates may not have experience in all the aspects of the position, but they must be willing to learn and grow into those areas.

·       Prior supervisory experience.

·       Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating and communicating the results of applied research.

·       Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation and having and maintaining a valid driver’s license as well as undergoing a successful driver background check.

• Must be willing to obtain a NYS Pesticide Applicator’s License within 3-years of employment.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development).
• Creativity, energy, motivation and enthusiasm.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Ph.D. preferred in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agronomy, animal science, general agriculture or a closely related field.

·       Coursework in crop protection and animal science that compliments the graduate degree focus such as, animal science, entomology, veterinary entomology, weed science, plant pathology, plant physiology, soils, adult education, and communications.

Supervision Received

Direct supervision is received from the IPM Director. Advised on the content and direction of the IPM program by the IPM Director. Additional input will be given by the faculty and Extension staff with Livestock and Field Crops responsibilities; IPM practitioners, professionals, and organizations; other NYSIPM staff; and citizens of New York State affected by Livestock and Field Crops IPM practices.

Supervision Given

Provide guidance to IPM extension educators on Livestock and Field Crops IPM implementation and the development of educational materials.

Provide supervision, and administrative direction and guidance to the Livestock and Field Crops IPM Extension Educator, and program staff, including permanent, temporary or volunteer staff.

Complexity and Scope

Apply reasoning, analytical thought, creativity, and innovation to Livestock and Field Crops IPM research, implementation and funding on a daily basis. Assess the needs of the Livestock and Field Crops industry as well as citizens of NY and other stakeholders. Lead the statewide efforts in Best Management Practices of Livestock and Field Crops industries to raise awareness of the importance of protecting watersheds. Design and execute innovative research and implementation plans to address the needs of these groups.

Accountability

Responsible for decisions made to carry out the specific job functions described on page 1 and 2. Decisions that will change the current direction of the Livestock and Field Crops IPM program, or are deemed to have a high impact on IPM’s constituency groups, will be made in consultation with the IPM Director. The employee will be accountable directly to the IPM Director for all decisions s/he makes independently.

Contacts

Act as a liaison with University faculty working with Livestock and Field Crops pest management. Conduct research independently and in collaboration with faculty. Work closely with faculty and extension educators in assessing needs and developing educational resources and programs. Livestock and Field Crops industry professionals, consultants, industry, local, state, and federal partners will provide input on programs and act as cooperators.

Information Management

Responsible for reporting on program efforts and must be able to:

  •    compose reports,

  •    analyze research data using appropriate software and statistical packages,

  •    effectively present information for reports and public presentations and, when appropriate, publish in peer-reviewed journals

Able to learn new technology skills that will aid in the composition and presentation of the NYS Livestock and Field Crops IPM program.

Work environment

Physical effort: Ability to perform light-duty field work and operate, or direct the operation of, field equipment, including pest management devices.

Mental and visual concentration will be required.

Potential hazards: May have to apply pesticides or work in pesticide-treated areas.