Michigan State University Seeks Extension Educator - Integrated Pest Management
Posted on December 20, 2022
Position Title:
Extension Educator - Integrated Pest Management
Position Summary
As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position provides leadership and expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in tree fruit, primarily apples. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for
advancement of clientele needs.
advancement of clientele needs.
In this position, you will identify, design, implement, and evaluate programs that meet outreach needs related to apple and tree fruit industries. Through
your leadership, you will provide support to tree fruit growers in west Michigan to improve the sustainability of their industries. This may include monitoring pests and conducting Integrated Crop Management training sessions to encourage adoption of new technologies in horticulture and pest management. While you focus on IPM efforts, you will also be expected to take a holistic approach to tree fruit systems. Your work will include completing on-farm consultations, virtual and in-person meetings, developing educational materials, conducting demonstrations, and participating in field research.
Through collaboration in research, engagement with the community, and dissemination of research through various methods, including in-person and
multimedia programming and written communications, you will implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that improve the viability of the tree fruit industries. You will also develop, produce, and deliver outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with AABI messaging. This information will be essential to help Michigan tree fruit producers compete nationally and internationally with modern growing systems that incorporate technologically advanced IPM strategies, so to assist farmers to grow, harvest, and market a high-quality crop.
multimedia programming and written communications, you will implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that improve the viability of the tree fruit industries. You will also develop, produce, and deliver outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with AABI messaging. This information will be essential to help Michigan tree fruit producers compete nationally and internationally with modern growing systems that incorporate technologically advanced IPM strategies, so to assist farmers to grow, harvest, and market a high-quality crop.
Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Kent County Extension Office, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or crop science with a knowledge of integrated pest management principles or
related field
related field