Job Opening: Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator – UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab

September 23, 2020

plant in hand and soilSearch #: 494755
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Faculty Non Tenure Track

The University of Connecticut, Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) is seeking a full-time Assistant Extension Educator to fulfill the mission of the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. This is an 11-month, non-tenure track position renewed annually with the expectation of long-term employment. Collaboration with staff and faculty in the PSLA and Extension departments is a key component of this position, and the incumbent will provide support for extension programs at the UConn Home & Garden Education Center, the Commercial Turf Diagnostic Laboratory, the Integrated Pest Management team, and the UConn Master Gardener program.

This position will manage the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory in collaboration with the Home and Garden Education Center Coordinator and will include diagnosis of commercial and residential horticultural problems utilizing microscopy and culture and non-culture based diagnostic tests. The successful candidate will summarize results from diagnosis and identification of problems and provide recommendations for corrective actions to lab patrons in timely written reports. Participation in the National Plant Diagnostic Network and administration of the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network (NEPDN) at UConn is expected and involves grant writing and reporting. The incumbent will oversee lab budgets, equipment, lab safety, and personnel. The incumbent will be a member of the UConn IPM Team and provide technical support to the Commercial Turf Diagnostic Laboratory. Occasional travel and work during weekends and evenings are required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential as this job requires the ability to write, or contribute to, a monthly newspaper column and blog posting, fact sheets, the annual UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory summary report, NEPDN grant proposal and progress reports, as well as other publications as needed. In addition, the individual will give educational presentations to diverse audiences on numerous horticultural topics. He or she will represent the UConn Home & Garden Education Center and the University at state, regional and national events and conferences. Contributions to undergraduate and graduate classes are also expected.

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