Assistant Extension Educator position is available at the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) of the University of Connecticut.

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.

Responsibilities

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 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Team and provide technical support to the Commercial Turf Diagnostic Laboratory.

Qualifications and Requirements

• An earned Master’s degree in plant health management or related field
• Knowledge and experience in diagnosing plant health-related problems including damage from insects; diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and viruses; weed identification; and abiotic disorders across a broad range of ornamental and edible crop species
• Experience teaching adults
• Demonstrated competence working in collaboration with colleagues
• Proven experience with plant diagnostic laboratory protocols
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours including occasional nights and weekends and must be willing and able to travel statewide
• Must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Knowledge about New England horticulture
• Cooperative Extension experience
• Skills in grant writing and management
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating adult education programs
• Budgeting experience
• Proficiency with digital photography
• Ability to develop and implement small-scale grant-funded research programs