Description & Details:
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is looking for a highly motivated educator to serve as an Extension specialist in Crop Protection for North Dakota. NDSU Extension is an organization that values people who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. The Extension specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities. This is a permanent, non-tenure track position, but includes opportunities for promotion. The appointment is 90% Extension, 10% applied Research.
The Crop Protection specialist is responsible for providing innovative Extension programming that will serve a diverse clientele of producers, as well as industry and advisory groups. Programming will focus primarily on crop pest management and providing education to Extension County agents, producers, and agricultural commodities groups and processors. The Extension specialist will work closely with Extension agents and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve goals. This position will be based at the NDSU North Central Research Extension Center (NCREC) located near Minot, ND. The NCREC Director will provide supervision for this position. North Dakota State University offers compensation and benefits including a retirement plan and full coverage family health insurance. The location of the NCREC offers exceptional opportunities to enjoy a rural and urban lifestyle in a supportive community environment. Minot is a city of 50,000 people in north central North Dakota. Minot is an All-American City with excellent health, educational, recreational, community facilities, and a modern international airport. The area is noted for small grain, oilseed, livestock, and energy production. More information is available at: https://minotchamberedc.com/
Responsibilities
• Develop an innovative Extension program that includes the identification, assessment, and delivery of educational programs that will facilitate the development of crop protection opportunities for Extension County agents, producers, landowners, industry, economic development leaders, and entities of the government.
• Provide expertise and continuing education training to Extension agents and clients to strengthen the knowledge base of Extension personnel statewide.
• Provide expertise and assistance in crop pest management issues to Extension agents and other clients.
• Stay current in the production practices of crops grown and crop issues in ND by pursuing professional development opportunities through meetings, seminars, symposiums, etc.
• Provide expertise and assistance in integrated pest management (IPM) of the crops grown in ND and the statewide IPM Crop Survey Program.
• Collaborate to build strong working relationships with appropriate Extension specialists, especially the NDSU Extension personnel at the Fargo Campus, research faculty, Extension agents, NCREC employees, and associated agricultural clientele to deliver statewide crop pests management programs.
• Develop individual and team-based Extension programs and publications that disseminate information to producers, industry personnel, and Extension agents.
• Communicate with other Extension personnel, appropriate Research Extension Center personnel, and farmers and ranchers about issues that need new or additional research. When appropriate, provide leadership for the development and demonstration of novel management strategies that ensure program relevancy and the ability to guide producer efforts to adapt to changing production systems.
• Develop relationships and cooperate with research and Extension faculty within the NDSU Departments of Plant Sciences and other agricultural departments.
• Assist in the development and/or enhancement of existing crop insect pest management-related youth programs (4H and others).
• Develop applied research in crop protection fields and secure grants to support the research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• M.S. degree in entomology, plant pathology, or a closely related field.
• Academic training and/or experience with crop insects, crop diseases, agronomy, soils, and weed management.
• Working knowledge of crop production systems in North Dakota.
• Familiarity with Northern Plains agriculture.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with varied audiences, including individuals and groups, as a team member.
• Proficiency in various computer programs for use in developing and delivering educational programs.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues in crop pests.
• Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Commercial pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain).
Preferred Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in Entomology, plant pathology, or a closely related field.
• Experience in field crops-related research.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funds.
• Successful publication of Extension and/or research results in the popular press and professional journals.
• Experience working with the Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated skills in web-based education, social media platforms, and other modes of communication.
Applicant Materials Required:
Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Three professional references with contact information
Screening will begin 3/1/24
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following the date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology, and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures. NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Full-time employees are offered a superb benefits package to include 100% company-paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members who thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!
Mission:
With energy and momentum, North Dakota State University addresses the needs and aspirations of people in a changing world by building on our land-grant foundation.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.