Listserv Messages

2nd Extension Specialist Position Opening

Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education
Crop Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

PRIMARY FUNCTION Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop educational materials and deliver training clinics to support the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) for state licensing requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide coordination and leadership for the private pesticide applicator training program.
• Conduct training clinics to support the pesticide safety education program for state licensing requirements for both private and commercial applicators
• Develop educational programs and materials focused on the integrated pest management of horticultural and field crop pests in formats including group-based live teaching, web-based individualized learning, as well as training manuals, workbooks, and news articles.
• Coordinate the PSEP online content
  • Coordinate the development of interactive online training courses.
  • Collaborate with PSEP Specialists based on content needs.
  • Maintain, edit and improve online training courses.
  • Monitor PSEP website to maintain relevant content and ensure accurate communication to clients, colleagues, and others.
  • Maintain active PSEP Social Media presence.
• Develop expertise in various areas of pesticide safety education.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of educational programs.
• Interact with state and federal regulatory personnel as needed.
• Opportunities to teach university courses are available.
• Opportunities exist to conduct applied research.
• Overnight travel is required during the PSEP training season.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs.

EDUCATION Required: Master’s Degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, weed sciences, agriculture, horticulture or related field. Preferred: Ph.D. Degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology, weed sciences, agriculture, horticulture 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

For more information on how to apply click on the attached materials.