County Agent III (Assistant Professor) - Vegetable IPM State Program Leader

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is seeking a community-engaged scholar to provide statewide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based expertise in our Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program ( IPM), specifically focused on commercial vegetable production. This full-time,12-month, 100% Extension-funded tenure-track position, to be housed at an off-campus Rutgers NJAES Extension Research Farm or county Extension office ( TBD), offers an exciting opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of commercial vegetable production and sustainability.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which empowers all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement following the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan), the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/), and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Diversity Equity plan (https://njaes.rutgers.edu/extension/diversity-equity-inclusion/rce-strategic-plan-for-diversity-equity-inclusion.pdf), which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide statewide leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists specifically for commercial vegetable producers.

A Master's Degree from an accredited institution in plant biology, horticultural sciences, entomology, plant pathology, plant or soil sciences, or other closely related fields within the scope of commercial vegetable production is required. In addition, three years of relevant experience following the attainment of the Bachelor's degree are required. Applicants should have a deep understanding of IPM concepts, applicability, and practice in commercial vegetable cropping systems; and be able to design and implement a program that responds to commodity and grower strengths, assets, and needs, the results of which would lead to robust data collection, evaluation, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. There is an expectation for outreach to a diverse population and an inclusive approach to engagement. Position requirements also include:

A valid New Jersey driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of starting; the ability to complete Rutgers training as required. A valid NJDEP Pesticide Applicator's License, or the ability to acquire one within the first 18 months of hire, is also required.

This position assists clientele in implementing and sustaining proper IPM agricultural practices in commercial vegetable production. Proven track record and ability to:

Computer, printer, and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite; Email for communications and research, locally and nationally, Equipment related to programming and teaching (laptop, LCD projector, etc.); digital cameras, etc. Demonstrated computer literacy and working knowledge of current and changing electronic technology.

Ability to work evenings andweekends as needed. Successfully and efficiently work in both office and researchfarm settings and field visits. Comfortable and accustomed to working in urban and
rural agricultural settings.

The Rutgers Integrated Pest Management ( IPM) Program helps growers in New Jersey and across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions reduce and optimize pesticide use, improve farm viability, and cut costs. The program combines education, outreach, monitoring, and forecasting to address pests and diseases across various sectors. New Jersey's commercial vegetable industries, valued at over $295M, thrive with support from the IPM Program, which includes seasonal pest monitoring, new detection methods, and degree-day pest modeling to minimize economic losses.

Members of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and natural resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management ( IPM), and other related subjects. https://njaes. rutgers.edu/anr/.

Statement of Values: Provide a statement that allows you to describe examples of your experiences in leadership, mentoring, and/or community engagement that resonate with the values and mission of Rutgers University as a land grant university serving a diverse state and student body. (Please use Other Documents attachment location)