Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Associate - WVU Extension Service - West Virginia University Research Corporation

The Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Associate.

About the Opportunity:

West Virginia University Plant Diagnostic Clinic provides free diagnostic services of plant problems throughout the state of West Virginia. Plants showing one or more abnormality in growth and development are usually submitted to the Clinic for diagnosis and management recommendations. As the IPM Associate, you will sample processing through appropriate plant pathological methods for isolation and identification of the causal agents, more specifically use of DNA sequences for identification of pathogens. Submission of diagnostic data to the National data base ‘Plant Diagnostic Information System’. Additional responsibilities will include providing support to applied plant pathological research in growers’ fields, WVU greenhouse, and farms.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs: 

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• PTO
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also
• matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks
• And More!!

What you’ll do:

• Assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities.
  
• Routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics.
  
• Monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds.
  
• Assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations.
  
• Assist with grower training and development of training materials.
  
• Maintain an inventory of MSDS of pesticides.
  
• Assist with data collection from field experiments and prepare materials for reports.
  
• The Associate will report to the director of diagnostic clinic (Plant Pathologist) but will also work closely with the Extension Entomologist and Weed Scientist (IPM Coordinator) based on a predetermined monthly schedule.  
  
• Maintain records of pest and disease specimens, weed herbaria, live weed specimens.
  
• Maintain a database and enter data into the national ‘Plant Diagnostic Information System.
  
• Gathering supplementary information on specific host-pest combination.
  
• Traveling to various sites within the state to collect pest specimens and routine maintenance of isolate collections at the plant diagnostic clinic.
  
• Attend training meetings and assist with outreach programmatic activities.
  
• Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April–August) to perform important pest scouting duties.  

• Associate's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a closely related laboratory/greenhouse and field research. 
• Ability to work independently in an environment with low level supervision after appropriate training is provided.     

Certifications:

• Pesticide Applicator License  (Category 10) will be needed for this position.
  

• Valid Driver's License

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC’s mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.  

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