STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
ADDITIONAL SALARY INFO: This is a 12-month, Exempt Staff appointment. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
DUTIES: The Entomology Department is seeking a Plant Clinic Director (Exempt Staff, Maryland Cooperative Extension Specialist). This campus-based position is housed in the Entomology Department, Plant Sciences Building at the University of Maryland, College Park and has statewide responsibility.
A cooperative effort between the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Chemical and Life Sciences, Extension responsibilities include execution, coordination and oversight of all aspects of the plant disease diagnostic laboratory operations regarding sample submission, processing and diagnostics utilizing molecular, serological, biochemical and or traditional diagnostic methods. Laboratory services are expected to include analysis of plant material for bacterial, fungal, viral, and nematode pathogens and prepare written responses describing the diagnosis and the appropriate management recommendations.
Collaboration with State Extension Specialists to diagnose plant health problems, development of training programs for Extension faculty and participation in educational programs for various groups of stakeholders are frequent activities and involve statewide travel. Additional leadership responsibilities in the diagnostic laboratory process include: assigning and supervising technical personnel in diagnostic laboratory activities; working with fiscal staff regarding fees and billing for plant diagnostic services and managing the clinic budget; maintaining a database for plant diseases, insects, nematodes and weed identification; coordinate with counterparts in the North East Plant Diagnostic Network, MD Department of Agriculture, DNR-Forest Service, and APHIS to identify plant insects and diseases; develop publications, articles and web resources and provide leadership on timely topics for various modes of pest management information transfer; and compile and distribute yearly reports that summarize clinic submissions and diagnoses.
QUALIFICATIONS: An M.S. degree in Plant Pathology required with a Ph.D. preferred. A minimum of eight years work/supervisory experience in a plant diagnostic clinic is required and related diagnostic experience in entomology is a plus.
TO APPLY: Application packet should include a letter of intent addressing applicants current and future extension interests; curriculum vitae; official transcripts; names, addresses, phone number and e-mail addresses of three references, and their relationship to applicant. Submit applications electronically to Joanne Lewis at jclewis@umd.edu. Call Joanne Lewis at 301-405-3912 if you have questions. For full consideration, complete applications should be received by February 1, 2007. For more information visit our web site at http://www.entm.umd.edu.
Contact: Joanne Lewis
Email: jclewis@umd.edu
Phone: 301-405-3912