Deadline: Sun, 09/25/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources NC State University Job Field: Other Job Type: Full Time Location: North Carolina Location Detail: Raleigh Job Description: The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University is seeking applicants for a full-time, Extension specialist position in integrated pest management of mountain conifers with emphasis on insects and diseases associated with the intensive culture of Fraser fir Christmas trees. The successful applicant will be a part of the department’s 10-person Extension Forestry team of 4 faculty and 6 staff, which includes a Christmas tree production and marketing specialist and a Christmas tree geneticist. They will work with research scientists, Extension specialists, county agents, program directors, and county technicians. This position is based in Western North Carolina, with Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Jackson counties as the primary area of responsibility, but the successful applicant will have to travel periodically throughout North Carolina. Office space will be provided in either Extension or NC Department of Agriculture facilities within the primary area of responsibility. The successful applicant will provide leadership in determining, implementing and evaluating educational programs consistent with the philosophy, policy, and overall educational objectives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. They will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programming to county Extension personnel, Christmas tree producers and workers, and other stakeholders in mountain conifers. Qualifications: Educational Qualifications • A post-baccalaureate degree in Entomology, Plant Pathology or similar area Required Qualifications • Strong oral and written communication skills • Excellent time and resource management skills • Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and set priorities • A general knowledge of pesticides including pesticide modes of action • Ability to secure external funding in support of Extension programs • Ability to plan, organize, work, teach, and interact with diverse audiences, including • stakeholders from different socio-demographic groups and with different levels of • background knowledge • Ability to work outdoors in all seasons under all types of weather conditions, and frequently in very steep mountain terrains • Ability to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities, including some evenings and weekends, Preferred Qualifications • Curiosity about and passion for the field of IPM • Working knowledge of different insect feeding guilds and modes of pathogen infection • Demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational informational programs • Demonstrated success engaging with diverse audiences (e.g. with varied educational backgrounds and levels of knowledge about Christmas tree production, and from different demographic groups) • Knowledge and experience planning, implementing, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs • Basic knowledge of educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs • Knowledge of Southern Appalachian forests, including native conifers and the insects and pathogens that impact them • Experience with Christmas tree production and associated integrated pest management activities • Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams • Ability and interest in supervising student participation in applied research and Extension • Verbal and written communications skills in both English and Spanish Salary: : Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base starting at $56,000, PhD’s Base starting at $68,000. North Carolina State University offers an extensive benefit package; for more information visit https://benefits.hr.ncsu.edu/. How to Apply: Confidential review of applications will commence in mid-August 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Applications only accepted via the NCSU portal https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/167400 and include: • Cover letter stating the motivation for the application • Resume or curriculum vitae • Contact information for references • A one-page statement of Extension experience and philosophy (uploaded as other Document 1)
