Extension Specialist in Entomology

Organization Summary Statement:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for a 12-month tenure-track position at the Agent or Senior Agent level to conduct applied research, provide educational programming, and offer entomology expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) in the commercial ornamental horticulture industries and UME personnel throughout Maryland. Specifically, the Extension Specialist will provide IPM leadership in entomology and delivery of educational programming in insect pest management to Maryland’s green industries including nursery, greenhouse, cut flower, arboriculture, Christmas tree, and landscape maintenance industries. The Extension Specialist will be expected to respond to a broad set of entomology needs within ornamental horticulture production and maintenance including delivery of information on IPM, biological insect management, evaluation of novel insecticide delivery options, monitoring and disseminating information on emerging pests, and other topics. The applicant will have access to Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station research and education facilities across the state. The Extension Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, industry groups, local and state agencies, elected officials, communities, landowners, and growers in facilitating the implementation of best practices related to ornamental horticulture production and management. The incumbent will also serve as the Maryland representative for entomology-related programming for regional ornamental horticulture IPM production information and training efforts and will be involved with planning education events for the green industries including education committee membership on industry boards. The position will be based at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville, MD.

Position Responsibilities:
The Extension Specialist will be part of a diverse team (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UME, and key stakeholder groups) that conducts applied research and educational programming to improve the production, management, and profitability of ornamental horticulture systems in Maryland. The position will provide leadership for relevant ornamental horticulture programming within the Agriculture and Food Systems Program, one of four UME programs. The individual will collaborate closely with growers, field and campus Extension colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, agricultural leaders, and other stakeholders to address important issues in horticultural production and management systems.

The incumbent will conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The position will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences including, but not limited to, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions.

The Extension Specialist will use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, gifts, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that delivers, measures, and interprets the impacts of programs and engagements regarding ornamental horticulture production systems in Maryland and beyond. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust Extension education program that engages participants in a collaborative-learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.

The Extension Specialist represents UME; the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD); and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The position ensures that educational programming is in alignment with UME’s current strategic plan and plan of work, especially as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined.

In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director and Program Leader, Agriculture and Food Systems Program.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in entomology or related field of study.
• Experience conducting applied research to improve ornamental horticulture production systems and addressing pest management needs of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities along with evidence of the ability to work with colleagues, students, industry, and other clientele
• Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Knowledge and use of computer and electronic technology for educational programming and management.
• Demonstrated experience conducting Extension or outreach education and impact assessments.
• Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication and teaching skills.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out-of-state travel may also be required. 
• Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and UMD Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research plots and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, and tables and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites.
• This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Preferences:
• Ph.D. in entomology or related field of study.
• Demonstrated ability to develop outreach programming that assists stakeholders in making research-based decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose insect pest problems of horticultural plants and provide management recommendations. 
• Evidence of peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Evidence of skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate technical information.
• Evidence of knowledge of and experience with agrochemical use, regulations, and labeling.
• Evidence of knowledge in and experience with precision horticulture technologies.
• Evidence of knowledge of and experience with sustainable pest management practices.
• Experience working with graduate and/or undergraduate students is desirable.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: A complete application packet includes a cover letter that addresses the applicant's research and Extension experience and philosophies, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, three examples of Extension educational materials or outputs, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Best Consideration Date: For best consideration, complete the application by 03/17/2025.

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

VISA Information:

Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work-visa requirements.

Financial Disclosure Required

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

AGNR-UME-Associate Director

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$64,122.00 - $90,584.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy.

Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome!

Diversity Statement

 The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

 The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.