Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator

Position Summary

The Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full‐time, 12 month fixed-term Academic Specialist with a 100% outreach assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be 1 July 2023. Funding is available for this position for up to three years, renewable based on program performance.

The Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator (PSEP) position promotes responsible decision-making and actions to protect pesticide users, public, plant and animal health, and the environment. They offer information, training, and resources for pesticide applicators and the general public. To achieve these goals, the PSEP Coordinator is expected to work closely with partners in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan State University Extension, and industry interest groups. The PSEP Coordinator is expected to be the go-to resource within Michigan on the safe use of pesticides and to provide programing on pesticide, integrated pest management (IPM), health, safety and environmental education for the public. The audience includes growers, pest control professionals, public land managers, Master Gardeners, and others. The PSEP Coordinator is responsible for maintaining updated pesticide training manuals and materials, and they are expected to engage with relevant regulatory agencies to maintain a strong understanding of pesticide regulations. They are also expected to communicate and collaborate with PSEP Coordinators in other states through regional and national education interest groups and professional societies such as AAPSE (American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators).

A key focus area for the incoming PSEP Coordinator will be to engage with a diversity of audiences, including those that have been historically underserved. The PSEP Coordinator will be expected to be innovative and creative when developing new training programs and materials and will be encouraged to seek external funding to support these efforts. The incoming PSEP Coordinator will also be expected to facilitate technology adoption by target audiences for training and to build capacity for new technology use within MSU and partner agencies.

In addition, the PSEP Coordinator is encouraged to be a collaborative member of project teams within the Entomology and other allied departments at MSU when expertise in safe pesticide use and education is needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science

Minimum Requirements

A demonstrated record of activities in extension/outreach and service relevant to the position.

Desired Qualifications

Experience developing and delivering extension education materials and training; experience writing successful grant proposals and administering funding. Knowledge of relevant regulatory agencies (MDARD, EPA, USDA, etc.) and experience working with partners from multiple organizations.

Required Application Materials

a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position b) statement of extension philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); c) current curriculum vitae; d) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and e) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Julianna Wilson, Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, email jkwilson@msu.edu or phone (517) 432-4766.

Review of Applications Begins On

06/01/2023

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

www.ent.msu.edu

Department Statement

This position will be housed in the MSU Department of Entomology, a vibrant, growing, and internationally-recognized team committed to interdisciplinary research, teaching and extension at local, regional, national and international levels. Programs within the Department of Entomology encompass basic and applied research on arthropods in diverse systems including agriculture, forestry, medical/veterinary, aquatic and a diversity of other ecosystems.

The position will be based at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI, USA. MSU is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. MSU is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/ .

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at MSU is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.