IPM News and Events Roundup 01/20/23
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
This past fall, the Northeastern IPM Center launched a series of webinars to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. We invited presenters from historically marginalized groups to discuss topics related to their research, or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.
To learn more, register for an upcoming webinar, or view recordings of past webinars in the series, visit www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/deij-in-ipm/
If you registered for "Language Justice: A Webinar on the Intersection of Language, Justice, and Agriculture Offering Practical Strategies for Cross-language Communication" with Adriana Pericchi and Ethan Grundberg on January 9, 2023.
We hope you enjoyed it, and for those who missed it, the recording is available at the following link: https://neipmc.org/go/CLhm
Research
Best Management Practices Increase Profitability of Small-Scale US Beekeeping Operations (academic.oup.com)
Authored by: Stephan Tubene, Kelly Kulhanek, Karen Rennich, Dennis vanEngelsdorp
Little is known about the economics of small-scale beekeeping, due in part because many of these beekeepers are motivated by personal enjoyment and not profit. These beekeepers, however, represent more than 90% of US beekeeping population, so economic analysis of this majority group is warranted. Understanding how management practices impact colony profitability in small apiaries can inform beekeeper management decisions. Best management practices (BMPs) can increase colony productivity and survival, but often require additional labor and materials compared to less intensive beekeeping practices.
Perspective on Biology and Management of Bed Bugs: Introduction (academic.oup.com)
Authored by: Chow-Yang Lee, Changlu Wang, Nan-Yao Su
Bed bugs are an important group of medical and urban insect pests. They are obligate blood-feeders. Their bites may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions and, under some circumstances, may lead to mental and other health issues. Despite numerous discoveries on the biology of these obnoxious pests and progress in control strategies over the last two decades, bed bugs continue to preferentially plague those from low socioeconomic communities because the poor generally could not afford effective control options. As a result, such infestations in poorer communities serve as a reservoir for wider society.
Research in the News
Single Mow of Park Trails Not Enough to Reduce Ticks (entomologytoday.org)
Blacklegged ticks are commonly encountered on trails within wooded habitats. In our study, we found a total of 3,001 nymphal and adult ticks (2,004 blacklegged and 997 American dog ticks). More importantly, we collected a similar number of adult ticks between the trail sections that were mown (51 percent of ticks collected) using a mower attached to an all-terrain vehicle or push lawnmower and control sections that were left unmown (49 percent). Nymphal ticks, interestingly, were more abundant on trails that were mown (56 percent) compared to the unmown controls (44 percent).
Sunflowers Linked to Reduced Varroa Mite Infestations in Honeybees (entomologytoday.org)
The study covers four different experiments that looked at two parasites and several viruses, but only two experiments showed significant results. The authors sum up their findings: “Although we did not find significant effects of sunflower pollen on endoparasites [Nosema ceranae] or viruses in laboratory or field settings, sunflower pollen was associated with reduced levels of Varroa mites in honey bee colonies.”
New tomato bred to naturally resist pests and curb disease (news.cornell.edu)
A Cornell researcher has completed a decades-long program to develop new varieties of tomato that naturally resist pests and limit transfer of viral disease by insects.
Martha Mutschler-Chu, a plant breeder and geneticist who leads the program, recently deposited an initial set of insect-resistant tomato research lines in the U.S. Department of Agriculture germplasm system and the Tomato Genetics Resource Center at University of California-Davis, which will be available for anyone to access the plants for research.
Other News
Do You Know the Four Rs to "KNOCK OUT" Browntail Moth?
Browntail Moth Awareness Month is right around the corner in Maine! February is when our community is encouraged to take advantage of the dormant season of the insect and join together to "KNOCK OUT" Browntail Moth (BTM). Winter is the best time to clip and destroy BTM winter webs within reach or hire licensed arborists or pesticide applicators to reduce out-of-reach populations. BTM populations in Maine have been in an outbreak phase since 2015, and the pest cannot be eradicated. While long-lasting tree defoliation and branch dieback are major concerns, BTM's microscopic, toxic hairs can cause trouble breathing and skin irritation similar to poison ivy from a few hours up to several weeks.
Follow the four Rs to reduce BTM populations on your property and protect your family and your community.
Slightly Off the IPM Path
USGS Announces Publication of Third Big Game Migration Map (usgs.gov)
Detailed mapping from GPS collar data, such as those in this map series, can help identify where migrations overlap with existing and potential barriers to movement. A state-Tribal-federal partnership, known as the Corridor Mapping Team, has been working to develop standard techniques for mapping migration corridors and to make migration maps available to the public. Since its inception in 2018, the Corridor Mapping Team has expanded to include participation from all 11 Western state wildlife-management agencies as well as from multiple Tribal and federal agencies.
Requests for Input
EPA’s Workplan for Endangered Species is seeking comments
The EPA is seeking comments on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Workplan Update. Proposed changes to pesticide labeling are found in the appendix beginning on page 21, which is where feedback to questions asked is being solicited.
The example label language in the table on page 28 has fourteen MITIGATION measures listed that would apply to both surface water runoff and soil erosion mitigation. Depending on the product being applied, a grower will have to pick at least one (likely more) and have it in place to legally apply the product. The mitigation measures are long term measures a grower will need to implement and maintain on their farms. They are not something that can be thought about after a pest problem is noticed.
As you read through the descriptions of the 14 measures (pages 29-37), consider whether growers have at least some in place already or if there will be problems. Note the size requirements of the different measures and consider smaller and/or specialty farms. Also comment if there are measures that farmers are already taking that should be added to the pick list.
There are also changes to prevent drift outlined by application method in the tables on pages 41-46 and changes to how pesticide treated seeds are handles and disposed of (by burying) explained in section 6 and pollinator stewardship in section 7.
These new requirements will start appearing on all pesticide labels and it sounds like the rollout will be as quick as possible. This is the time to communicate to EPA about any problems these requirements might pose in specific cropping systems.
Comments due by February 14, 2023, here: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0908/document
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required
In this monthly virtual series, we explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule
Join us Live, on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.
- February 3: Indoor cockroaches | Pet flea/tick treatments
- March 3: Carpenter ants | Carpenter bees
- April 7: Avoiding wildlife at home | Slug/snail management
- May 5: Spotted lanternfly update | Stinging insect ID
- June 2: Common Garden insects | Poison ivy management
- July 7: Pest of home berry plants | Spiders in the home
- August 4: Groundhog management | Bat exclusion
- September 1: Right plant, right place | Transplanting trees/shrubs
- October 6: Jumping worms | Roof gutter pests
- November 3: Winter Garden prep | Tick check reminder
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events before our session on February 3, 2023.
Integrated Pest Management for Bed Bugs: What is New?
Speaker: Dr. Alvaro Romero, New Mexico State University
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) continue to increase as serious pests in the built environment. These insects are particularly problematic in low-income multiunit housing buildings, where infestations are difficult to control, tend to become chronic, and the locations serve as reservoirs from which bed bugs disperse. This seminar reviews the current status of methods to detect and manage bed bugs in these urban settings. The talk will emphasize on programs using IPM approaches for bed bug management which can lead to significant reductions in bed bug incidence and density when compared with insecticide-dependent approaches. It also emphasizes on factors that may contribute to the persistence of bed bugs in low-income and multiunit housing situations. For more information, check out the Romero Lab website.
New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYS IPM) at Cornell University hosts this monthly seminar series to increase awareness of new research and techniques that advance IPM and its adoption in all types of pest management settings.
January 25, 2023 - 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
UPDATES FOR MANAGING THE ASIAN LONG-HORNED BEETLE (ALB) - (90-minute webinar)
The Asian Long-horned Beetle is an invasive insect that is harmful to America's hardwood forests. Boring into hardwoods, this invasive insect weakens the trunks of these trees and can lead to their decline. This beetle has spread throughout the U.S. and can damage natural and recreational resources. This free webinar will focus on identifying this pest and effective integrated pest management strategies to eradicate it from forested areas.
Monday, January 23, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST
The Vector Biology Boot Camp is offered by the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to provide hands-on learning opportunities in vector surveillance program operations.
The program is designed for vector-borne disease professionals working in the Northeast, covering tick and mosquito species of medical importance to this region. Ideal program applicants include professionals whose job duties specifically involve vector surveillance and/or control.
We are happy to announce that the in-person Vector Biology Boot Camp is back! We will be hosting this 3-day hands-on training event in partnership with the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension in May 2023.
- When: Tuesday May 16 to Thursday May 18, 2023
- Where: Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College, PA 16803
- Cost: Attendance to this event is no-cost. Participant housing and meals are included. Attendees are responsible for travel to and from the training site.
- Agenda: The final agenda for the 2023 Vector Biology Boot Camp will be available shortly. You can access a general overview of the modules included in this training event here.
Complete the application form below by Monday January 30, 2023, for consideration for the 2023 Vector Biology Boot Camp program. We will notify accepted applicants in February 2023.
Food Solutions and the Climate Crisis
Register separately for each session using live links.
Webinar Series - Thursdays, January 26 – March 16, 2023 - 3pm ET
- 26 January – Food Systems and Climate Extension at Cornell – Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin, Associate Professor, Cornell School of Integrated Plant Sciences, and Associate Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension
- 2 February – What is Food Doing to the Climate? What is the Climate Doing to Food? – Dr. Michael Hoffmann, Professor Emeritus, Cornell Department of Entomology and author, Our Changing Menu
- 9 February – Reducing CO2 Emissions in Dairy and Beef: Promising Research/Technologies – Jenifer Wightman, Senior Extension Associate, Cornell School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Soil and Crop Sciences Section
- 16 February – Farm to School Programs in NY – Panel Discussion featuring the Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York Team
- 23 February – Plant-Rich Diet Efforts in Extension Programs in New York State and Beyond – with Jenna Walczak, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY
- 2 March – Alternative Proteins – Rajni Aneja, Managing Director, Cornell Institute for Food Systems Industry Partnership Program (CIFS-IPP), Food Science
- 9 March – Reducing Food Waste Educational Programs – Karen Mort, Cornell Cooperative Extension Resource Educator, Albany County, and Dr. Lori Leonard, Professor and Chair, Cornell Global Development
- 16 March – What is Next? Moving Forward with Food Systems and Climate Education – Featuring Jenna Walczak, Agriculture Climate Resiliency Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York
For questions, contact Marianne Krasny (mek2@cornell.edu) or Celeste Carmichael (cjc17@cornell.edu). Use “Food Climate Webinar” in subject line.
Lobster mobsters, jumping plant lice, and more invasive species talks coming
Invasive species pose a threat to Michigan's environment, economy, and sometimes even human health. What is at stake? What is being done? This webinar series will explore how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan's natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program. If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.
On-line Greenhouse Scout School
Cornell University is partnering with the University of Vermont and the University of Maine to offer a 6-week webinar series in scouting for disease, insect and weed pests of greenhouse ornamentals. Learn how to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.
Sessions will be led by Stephanie Barnett, Margery Daughtrey, Betsy Lamb, Elise Lobdell, John Sanderson and Cheryl Sullivan.
Learn to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.
February 1st – March 8th
Certificate Program: 6–7:30 p.m.
Webinar Series: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
UMass Extension’s Invasive Insect Webinar Series 2023
Join UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program and UMass Extension’s Fruit Program presents for this series of FREE webinars focusing on the impact, monitoring, and management of invasive insects in Massachusetts and the nation! Topics to include spotted lanternfly updates, management, and entomopathogens, forest pest risk re. climate change; the beech leaf disease nematode; and invasive forest insects. Please note while participants from anywhere are invited to attend, much of the material presented will be specific to Massachusetts and New England.
Event date/time:
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 9:00am
Event Type: Online
Price: Free (grant subsidized)
Don Downing originated the program in 1986. Cornell’s Pesticide Management Education Program took it over in 1996, with Ron Gardner running the workshop until his retirement in 2017. The workshop addresses a variety of pest problems and management strategies, proper pesticide use, and regulatory perspectives. It focuses on the food industry, with post-workshop sessions that broaden the scope to include general structural pest control and/or space and commodity fumigation.
If you register by 5:00 p.m. on January 26th, 2023, the registration fee is $135 to attend the February 7th Food Processing Session, $80 to attend the February 8th Structural Session, or $200 to attend both sessions. After that time, registration will be an additional $10. Registration includes refreshment breaks and (for Tuesday only) lunch. You can register and pay online with a credit card or by mail with a check. Please make your check payable to Cornell University and send your information to the address listed on the mail-in registration form
Event Date: February 7th and 8th, 2023. RIT Inn & Conference Center, Henrietta, NY
Join us on February 23-24, 2023, at USDA's largest and premiere annual gathering!
USDA’s 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), will be held in-person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on February 23-24, 2023, and all sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.
More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector including:
- USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2023 and the U.S. farm income situation
- Climate smart agriculture
- Supply chain challenges and solutions
- Factors impacting U.S. trade update & the global marketplace
- Food prices outlook
The RISCC management symposium brings together natural resource managers, scientists, and the invasive species community to discuss challenges and solutions to managing habitats dually impacted by invasive species and climate change. Our next symposium will take place virtually via Zoom on February 14-15th, 2023. Sessions will take place over two days from 11:00am-3:30pm (Eastern) each day. Be sure to register in advance, and check back for the agenda in early 2023!
Description: The insect world is diverse and includes a collection of critters that provide important
functions in the ecosystem. Some are pollinators, some decomposers, and many are food for the birds,
reptiles and mammals we enjoy in our landscapes. To avoid becoming a food item and defend their
colony, some insects sting, while others bite to obtain food. This presentation will help you to better
understand the stinging and biting insects found around your home, provide some insights about
reducing encounters with them, and options for effective management when necessary.
We will also discuss:
• Do mosquitos only come out at dusk?
• Brown recluse? Black widow? Joro spider? What is actually in our area?
• What bug is that crawling in my bed?
Other pest arthropods like wasps and biting flies will also be discussed!
Presenter: Dr. Matt Frye, Community IPM Extension Educator with
NYS Integrated Pest Management
February 28, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar here!
Science & Management Webinar of this Invasive Weed
The webinar is intended to share information on control of Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica, with researchers, land managers, and landscape professionals who work with riparian weeds. The webinar will emphasize attempts at practical control strategies for California's Central Coast within a broader context of its ecology.
Hosted by the Marin Knotweed Action Team (MKAT).
Save the date
DATE: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
SPEAKERS & AGENDA: coming soon
REGISTRATION: opens in 2023
QUESTIONS: email llevinger@ucanr.edu
Employment Opportunities
Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Beneficial Insects Lab
UMass Amherst
Conduct research on biological control of the emerald ash borer (EAB) with a focus on population dynamics of both the target pests and introduced parasitoids. Research will occur both in a laboratory and in forests across the U.S. and involves modeling both spatial and temporal dynamics of North American ash recovery in relation to levels of EAB infestations or densities due to the impact of both introduced and endemic natural enemies in various climatic/geographic regions in North America.
Application deadline not listed
Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist
National Pest Management Association
The Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist is responsible for development of technical support materials and providing entomological and scientific support for NPMA members and to other NPMA departments.
The National Pest Management Association has a unique culture that empowers individuals to move the Association and Industry forward through new initiatives, innovative solutions, and creative endeavors. Although we have a nearly 90-year history as an organization, NPMA still offer employees the flexibility and ingenuity to make a positive impact on our shared future.
IR-4
The IR-4 Project is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to join its headquarters team, based on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the National Quality Assurance Unit Manager, the incumbent is a member of the IR-4 Project Quality Assurance Unit and is responsible for various types of quality assurance audits of IR-4 Project generated raw data and reports. The incumbent would be responsible for performing inspections of field sites and lab analyses during critical phases of a study as well as conducting facility inspections.
This vital role helps ensure the quality and integrity of IR-4 Project submissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Many of the functions of this position are required for the IR-4 Project to achieve compliance with US EPA Federal Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs – as documented in Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160).
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
View the job posting and apply here!
Cornell University
This program specializes in integrating basic and applied research to develop new tools in integrative pest management (IPM) science by studying the chemistry and chemical ecology of insect pests. With a focus on plant toxins detoxification mechanisms by insect pests, the aim is to harness RNAi biotechnology to reduce the expression of genes coding for these detoxifying enzymes as a promising alternative to non-selective and resilient insecticides currently used. The research and extension part of this program specializes in developing new methods in analytical chemistry to improve the detection and characterization of insect sex pheromones and plant volatiles, and to test the performance of pheromone lure/trap products to give reliable recommendations to stakeholders on monitoring pest activity in the context of climate change.
University of Maryland (several positions posted)
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Job Links:
Home & Garden: Business Services Specialist
Home & Garden: Program Management Specialist
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Clinical Professor - PTK
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Asst. Professor Agriculture and Extension Education
Plant Science & Landscape Architecture: Assistant Prof. and Extension Spec. – Weed Ecology
Environmental Science & Technology: Nutrient Management Advisor (4 Positions)
1)Baltimore County, 2)Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, 3)Worcester County and 4)Talbot County
Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)
University of Maryland
UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment & Natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Program and Organizational Development, and the Assistant Director of Operations. At the local level, the position works with Area/City Extension directors. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health equity and well-being.
Open until filled with best consideration date: January 30, 2023
Cornell University
We are seeking a Program/Extension Aide II who will closely collaborate with the NYSIPM Digital Outreach and Development Coordinator to take on the following responsibilities in our program.
- Collaboratively build python modules and Django web apps
- Deploy basic Django web apps to test and evaluate python modules using coding best practices.
- Perform basic non-critical planned updates to existing Django web apps, following plan of work documents.
- Research and synthesize new information about online target audience needs.
- Build mockups of digital tool interfaces for user testing.
- Participate in planned Digital Outreach Team meetings and team-building activities.
Urban IPM Area Advisor Applied Research and Extension (Capitol Corridor Area)
University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Purpose. The Urban IPM Area Advisor will develop IPM strategies to effectively manage pests in urban areas while protecting public health and the environment. Key clientele includes public agencies, pest management professionals licensed by either the Structural Pest Control Board or the Department of Pesticide Regulation, and unlicensed members of the general public
This position will primarily address the UC ANR condition change of ‘promoting healthy people and communities’ but will also contribute to ‘developing a qualified workforce’ and ‘promoting economic prosperity.’ The three counties of UCCE Capitol Corridor have a combined population of approximately 2.25 million people, which is more than the total populations of 15 states. Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 12, 2023 – (open until filled)
The West Virginia University Research Corporation
This position is responsible for assisting the Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities. Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April–August) to perform important pest scouting duties.
At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work.
- Candidate should have a B.S. in Plant Science with supporting course work preferably in horticulture, agronomy, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
- 2 years’ experience in closely related laboratory/greenhouse and field research.
- 1 year of experience to provide support to the state-wide Extension IPM program
Submission deadline: January 21, 2023
Greenhouse Supervisor, Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station
Cornell University
The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two-core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants.
The Cornell AES greenhouse operations on and around the Cornell Campus are, with 127,000 square feet, the largest non-commercial greenhouse facility in the state. The 146 compartments are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing 300 to 400 research projects at any given time. Plant services for all these projects are provided by the dedicated greenhouse staff, which is responsible for the setup, daily care and maintenance.
Paul Smith’s College – Adirondack Watershed Commission
Full-Time Year-Round Positions:
Are you interested in joining our full-time year-round staff? Our team conducts scientific research, advances stewardship and community outreach efforts, and is dedicated to our mission of protecting clean water. Our current openings range from administrative support, working with our Stewardship Team, or with our science team.
Seasonal Positions:
Are you interested in having a positive impact with people and the lands & waters of the Adirondack Park? AWI hires over 100 people for summer jobs throughout the Adirondack region. These seasonal jobs offer experience in environmental science, environmental interpretation, and natural resource management. Positions range from watercraft inspection stewards working on the front lines of aquatic invasive species spread prevention, to research technicians assisting with lab and field operations in our environmental research lab.
Supervisory Research Ecologist/Entomologist/Plant Pathologist
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has an opening for a research leader position at the ARS Invasive Plant Research Lab (IPRL) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The position offers a tremendous opportunity for the individual with expertise in invasive plant science and has an interest in a range of ecological and theoretical approaches for research and practical applications for management. The diversity of stakeholders in Florida and the entire region makes for outstanding collaborators and some of the strongest supporters and include local weed management districts, state water agencies, and colleges and universities, as well as private industry and other federal agencies. The team of scientists and support staff the IPRL are second to none and are known internationally for their research on biology, ecology, application technology, and tactics for integrated management. Florida offers some of the best recreational and sight-seeing activities in the country and has year-round warm weather.
WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2023 Summer Positions are Open!
Join the WNY PRISM team and spend the summer gaining valuable experience in invasive species management! Multiple positions are open with varying responsibilities, timeframes and necessary qualifications, so take a look and see what interests you! The application deadline for all positions is March 3, 2023.
For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit www.rfhiring.com
Funding Opportunities
Two of our critical grants management systems, CREEMS and ezFedGrants, are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require replacement. NIFA will chose a new grants management solution from these Federally managed technology providers.
This Grants Modernization Initiative is a key priority for NIFA, and our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. Ultimately, this initiative will transform how we do business so that it is more seamless for staff and customers, improves our ability to track and report outcomes, and helps achieve the agency mission more efficiently and effectively.?
Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The FY 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) under the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program is now available
The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities. ?
Current closing date: February 13, 2022
Methyl Bromide Transition Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option. Research projects must address commodities with critical issues and include a focused economic analysis of the cost of implementing the transition on a commercial scale.
The RFA announcement and technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is scheduled. Please access the details about the webinar, such as the zoom link, date, time, etc., through the Webinar heading above.
The Crew Assistance Program offers valuable opportunities for partners who can work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff to learn invasive species identification, how to use various survey and monitoring tools, to gain experience with removal methods, strategies and equipment, and learn about prioritization and adaptive management strategies that can be used to increase the effectiveness of invasive species management. In some cases, we’re simply able to provide a few extra hands to help move partner projects to a stage that is easier for them to handle moving forward.
Eligibility and Restrictions:
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, local governments, agencies, associations and
institutions located within, or serving areas within, the 8 counties of WNY PRISM (Allegany, Cattaraugus,
Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties).
All proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, to be considered for the Crew Assistance Program in 2023.
2023 CRISP Request for Proposals
We are pleased to announce the CRISP 2023 Request for Proposals to fund priority invasive species projects in the Catskills region! We will offer funding for those projects that best meet the following CRISP priorities that were identified in the CRISP Strategic Planning that we conducted earlier this year:
Early Detection/Rapid Response for Tier 1 or Tier 2 Species
Raise public awareness of Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 Species
Improve the scientific understanding of the extent, ecological impact, and effective controls of invasive species in the CRISP region.
Selected projects will be funded up to $10,000 and must be completed in 2023. The deadline for applications is February 3rd. Additional information is available here: https://www.catskillinvasives.com/funding
NYS DEC 2022 - Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program
This grant is now open, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and in the order received until funds are exhausted. See the Request for Applications (RFA) (PDF) for detailed information. The December 9, 2022 information session is now available to view. This is a special grant opportunity made possible in part by federal and state funds. (Information on Round 16 of the regular Urban and Community Forestry Grant will be updated below as dates are finalized.) Up to $350,000 will be available for Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after Ash Loss. The November 9th information webinar was recorded. (Please note that the presentation starts at about 14 minutes in to the recording.) Eligible applicants include NYS Municipalities, Indian nations, or tribes, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit (NFP) corporations.
Application Deadline: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (nrcs.usda.gov)
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.
Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through several conservation initiatives. See which initiative is available in your state.