IPM News and Events Roundup 05/09/2025

IPM News and Events Roundup                

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.   

 

This work is supported by The Northeastern IPM Center, project reward Grant #2022-70006-38004, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy.

 

Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center 

Website | YouTube | IPM Insights Newsletter | Impact Statements | Find a Colleague | Northeast Priorities | Annual Reports  | IPM Wheels Poster | "The IPM Toolbox" Webinar Series

       

Northeastern IPM Center News 

Eco-Friendly IPM Approaches for Codling Moth Management

June 3, 2025 – 2 p.m. EDT

Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BXHLUG6RQomtOM1lmTJ--Q#/registration

 

 

The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.

Description

This presentation will cover integrated pest management strategies for codling moth control, including:

  • Monitoring techniques using lures and camera traps
  • Establishing biofix and tracking degree days
  • Attract-and-kill systems for effective population suppression
  • Biological control methods, highlighting the residual effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt) on codling moth larvae

Ajay Giri

Ph.D. candidate, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Ajay Pratap Giri’s doctoral research focuses on evaluating eco-friendly biocidal drift reduction adjuvants using essential oil emulsions. Ajay holds a master’s degree in Plant and Soil Science from UMass Amherst, where he studied the attractiveness of semiochemicals to multiple tortricid pests in apple orchards. He has published 7 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 15 Extension articles, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. With extensive experience in applied research, Extension, and outreach, his work primarily supports innovative and eco-friendly pest management strategies.

EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News

Silvopasture: A Sustainable Path to More Food, Healthy Forests and Stronger Farms

Across the country, researchers, farmers and forestry experts are embracing a simple idea with big impacts: raising animals in forests. It’s called silvopasture, a practice that combines trees, forages and livestock on the same land. It boosts food and timber production, supports environmental health and creates new economic opportunities for farmers.

With support from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, researchers from Mississippi to Hawaii to Missouri and South Carolina are demonstrating that silvopasture is more than an alternative agricultural method—it’s a long-term investment in productivity and sustainability. Read more about the work being led by four Land-grant Universities.

 

ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Newsweek: “Making the EPA Efficient—and Exceptional”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released the next phase of organizational improvements to better provide clean air, water, and land for all Americans and integrate science into agency offices.

With this action, EPA is delivering organizational improvements to the personnel structure that will directly benefit the American people and better advance the agency’s core mission, while Powering the Great American Comeback.

 

ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in The Hill: “EPA is rejecting the false choice between environmental stewardship and economic prosperity”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released a list of 100 environmental actions taken by the agency in 100 days since President Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20. Administrator Zeldin is committed to ensuring the agency fulfills its statutory obligations, providing clean air, land and water for Americans while Powering the Great American Comeback. 

Under President Trump’s leadership, commonsense steers policy decisions, and Administrator Zeldin has demonstrated that environmental stewardship and economic development are complementary goals that drive one another.  

 

Research in the news

Adaptation and gene flow are insufficient to rescue a montane plant under climate change (science.org)

Species stressed by climate change must move or adapt in order to persist. However, adaptation and gene flow between populations adapted to different climates are rarely integrated into models predicting how species will respond to climate change. Anderson et al. collected data on Boechera stricta, a common perennial plant, from five common garden experiments in the Rocky Mountains of the US to quantify the amount of migration needed to keep up with climate change and the potential for evolutionary rescue (see the Perspective by Aitken). Using integral projection models, they predicted a decline in adaptive potential and insufficient gene flow to keep up with climate change. This work shows the importance of accounting for evolution in ecological predictions and the limitations of species distribution models. —Bianca Lopez

 

Plant native: comparing biodiversity benefits, ecosystem services provisioning, and plant performance of native and non-native plants in urban horticulture (link.springer.com)

Plant species used in urban horticulture are frequently non-native despite evidence that urban areas are regular points of introduction, often leading to invasions and negative impacts on biodiversity. Many horticulturalists assert that non-native plants are more successful and provide equal or greater habitat and ecosystem services than native plants. However, little research has compared native and non-native plants in urban systems.

 

Keystone interdependence: Sea otter responses to a prey surplus following the collapse of a rocky intertidal predator (science.org)

The sea star Pisaster ochraceus and sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are two predators capable of shaping rocky intertidal and kelp forest community structure and functioning. In 2013, a sea star wasting event decimated populations of Pisaster along the west coast of North America. The collapse of this species in the rocky intertidal revealed an unexpected relationship between two keystone predators. In this study, we show how the loss of Pisaster along the Monterey Peninsula, CA, USA led to an increase in mussel (Mytilus californianus) size and expansion into lower tidal zones. Before the sea star wasting event, the local sea otter population fluctuated around a near equilibrium. However, in the absence of Pisaster, sea otters increased their dietary intake on mussels, which contributed in part to a local population-level rise. These results demonstrate how the loss of a keystone predator in one ecosystem may impart population-level changes to another.

 

Resistance Management for Cancer: Lessons from Farmers (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

One of the main reasons we have not been able to cure cancers is that treatments select for drug-resistant cells. Pest managers face similar challenges with pesticides selecting for pesticide-resistant insects, resulting in similar mechanisms of resistance. Pest managers have developed 10 principles that could be translated to controlling cancers: (i) prevent onset, (ii) monitor continuously, (iii) identify thresholds below which there will be no intervention, (iv) change interventions in response to burden, (v) preferentially select nonchemical control methods, (vi) use target-specific drugs, (vii) use the lowest effective dose, (viii) reduce cross-resistance, (ix) evaluate success based on long-term management, and (x) forecast growth and response. These principles are general to all cancers and cancer drugs and so could be employed broadly to improve oncology.

 

North American bird declines are greatest where species are most abundant (science.org)

We know that birds are declining globally, but more fine-scale information on population trends is needed to guide conservation efforts. Johnston et al. used participatory data from eBird to track 14 years of population changes across the ranges of 495 birds in North and Central America and the Caribbean. Almost all species showed areas with population increases and areas with declines, often with the strongest declines occurring in areas where species were most abundant. Most species were declining overall, suggesting a worsening situation for birds. However, areas of population increase may offer refuge or point to conditions that could facilitate recovery. —Bianca Lopez

News

Dangerous fungal spores can surf the stratosphere—and survive (science.org)

Scientists have captured fungal spores cruising in the inhospitable environment of the stratosphere, much higher than commercial aircraft fly. When brought back to the lab, the researchers found that some of the spores—including pathogens of plants and people—had survived intercontinental trips and could be cultured in the lab.

 

Pest Talks (growertalks.com)

Fat Scale Insects
Crawler Hatching
Monitoring Crawlers
Control Methods
Biocontrol for Scales

 

Cruise ship passengers warned of latest norovirus threat after outbreaks (the-independent.com)

Cruise ship vacations this summer may present more concerns than just rough seas for travelers.

Experts point to recent government staff reductions within the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which inspects ships and investigates illness outbreaks, as a cause for concern.

These cuts, part of broader Trump administration reductions, coincide with a rise in cruise ship outbreaks driven by a new norovirus strain.

The VSP plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and safety of passengers by conducting regular inspections and responding to reports of illness.

 

April 2025 Central Issue (ncipmc.org)

Highlights:

  • Laser weed control
  • Resources to share for Lyme Disease Awareness month
  • Details about the Reframing Farming Workshop

 

Protecting yourself from ticks (cals.cornell.edu)

Ticks walk very lightly on your skin and use an anesthetic to prevent you from feeling their bites. You can't count on feeling a tick crawling on you or even biting you so it’s important to protect yourself from exposure.

 

Research for our Planet (cornell.edu)

Cornell research teams are pursuing partnerships to tackle complex global challenges that affect us all – from protecting the world’s water systems using snail-inspired robots to scoop up microplastics – to minimizing waste and optimizing poultry health using upcycled brewers’ grain.

 

CROPPS hackathon ushers in new era of plant communication (news.cornell.edu)

During Cornell’s spring break in April, a group of students did something unusual: they helped a plant send a text message.

“Hi, I’m hurt! Please help!”

The call for help was interpreted or ‘heard’ by the student’s proof-of-concept device, using a microscope to observe Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant widely used as a model organism in plant biology. When physically stressed, the plant released optical signals that were picked up by a microscope, interpreted by a computer and converted into the message.

 

Submissions needed

Previously featured

The Annals of the Entomological Society of America invites your proposal for a review article.

 We're seeking proposals for review articles that synthesize current knowledge, present new insights, and challenge or expand our understanding of the chosen topic. Submit your proposal by May 11.

 Why participate?

  • Showcase your expertise
  • Publication in an issue of Annals of the ESA
  • Publication in a dedicated virtual collection

 

Norway rat and house mouse samples needed for rodenticide resistance study

The Urban Entomology Lab from the Department of Entomology at Rutgers University is conducting research on rodenticide resistance in Norway rats and house mice in the northeastern U.S. with a focus on rodents from NJ, NY, and PA. Currently, we found 90% of the 80 house mouse samples carried at least one genetic mutation related to rodenticide resistance. We also examined over 20 samples of rats, and 45% of them carried mutation genes. We are looking for more Norway rat and house mice samples. If you can provide rodent samples, please contact Jin-Jia Yu at Rutgers University for more details. Email: jinjia.yu@rutgers.edu

 

Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more

Newly featured this issue

Using Managed Relocation to Advance Climate Adaptation: Benefits, Risks, and Barriers

In this one-hour discussion jointly organized by the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (RISCC), panelists from research and management backgrounds will consider key issues in the use of managed relocation as a climate adaptation strategy. Potential benefits, risks, and hurdles to implementing this technique will be discussed to provide scientific and practical information that will promote a better understanding of this management approach and reduce impediments to employing it. This interactive session will provide audience members with ample opportunities to contribute to the conversation. Our discussion will begin by shedding light on the following questions:

 

  • What are the risks of engaging or not engaging with managed relocation?
  • When is it appropriate to use managed relocation?
  • What perspectives are missing from the conversation about managed relocation?
  • What tools are available to help natural resource practitioners decide when, where, and how to implement managed relocation?

May 14, 2025 04:00 PM  in EST

Register here

 

 

 

Development of Laser Weed Control Robot for Sustainable Farming

 

Join this webinar for a comprehensive overview of the development work on a laser weed control robot at Middle Tennessee State University. The presentation will demonstrate the advancements made in the project, share valuable experiences and lessons learned during its evolution, and facilitate discussion around the current open challenges in this cutting-edge approach to weed management.

May 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM in EST

Previously featured

Pests at the Perimeter: How Landscape Design Influences Indoor Pest Intrusion

Cornell IPM Annual Conference

Join us for our annual conference on the link between outdoor landscapes and indoor pest issues. Experts will share science-based strategies to manage environments around buildings, reducing pest intrusion. Ideal for Master Gardener Volunteers, educators, professionals, and community members, this event offers practical insights for landscape and pest management.

June 17, 2025

Register here

 

A Sustainable Future for Pest Management in California

 

Speaker: Sapna E. Thottathil, Deputy Director for Sustainable Pest Management for California Department of Pesticide Regulation

Key Insights:

  • Learn what Sustainable Pest Management is, and how it builds on Integrated Pest Management.
  • Explore the California Department of Pest Regulation’s priorities and new strategic plan, as well as regulatory changes.
  • Understand the pest management challenges facing agriculture, natural lands, and urban areas throughout California.

Date & Time: May 20, 2025 02:00 PM in EST

Description: International IPM Symposium Webinar Series

 

UC IPM's Urban & Community Webinar Series

Join us at noon on the third Thursday of every month to learn about pest identification, prevention, and management around the home, garden, and landscape. This series is free and open to the public but advance registration is required.

  • May 15: Understanding How Herbicides Work
  • June 18: Cover, Smash, Trap: Non-chemical Methods for Pest Management
  • July 17: Wild World of Wasps!

 

Spongy Moth: Managing a Tree-Devastating Pest

The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) poses a significant threat to our shade trees, with recent resurgences reported in some areas. These caterpillars feed voraciously on tree foliage, and during peak activity, their falling droppings can even mimic the sound of rainfall!

In this program, we’ll explore how to identify this pest, understand its life cycle, and assess the damage it can cause. We’ll place particular emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, as well as pesticide treatments, to help manage these pests effectively using environmentally friendly approaches. We’ll also talk about the natural biocontrols that can help manage future outbreaks.

Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM *Zoom*

DEC Credits: 1 credit in 3a, 25, 6a and 9

ISA Credits: Available upon agency approval

Flyer: spongy moth

Register: Webinar Registration - Zoom

 

What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores 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. IPM is 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.

The  2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form.

June 6: Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip

July 4: Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease

August 1: Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants

September 5: Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant

October 3: Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting

November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach

December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths

 

Employment Opportunities

Previously featured 

Seasonal Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM

Temporary Field Assistant with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

The New York State Integrated Pest Management (NYSIPM) Program at Cornell AgriTech is seeking a Temporary Field Assistant to support applied agricultural research focused on sustainable pest management. This in-person, seasonal position (May through September 2025) involves hands-on fieldwork with crops and pests, data collection, and assisting with outreach activities. The role offers a collaborative, inclusive work environment and is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in agriculture or environmental science. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate academic schedules.

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/about-nysipm/career-opportunities/temporary-field-assistant-needed

 

Watercraft Inspection Steward

Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff, Watercraft Stewards will offer watercraft and trailer inspections as well as educational materials
at public boat launches throughout the Finger Lakes region. Stewards will collect data on inspections, launch users, and invasive species findings. Watercraft inspections entail visual examination and removal of plants or other organic material from boats and trailers and identifying aquatic invasive species. Stewards will help disseminate critical conservation messaging and initiatives to the public. Qualified candidates will be considered for watercraft decontamination or lead steward duties.

 

Aquatic Invasive Species Technician

Under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges staff and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM), AIS Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related to high-priority and emerging aquatic invasive species (AIS) including hydrilla, water chestnut, starry stonewort, fanwort, parrotfeather, and more. AIS Technicians will primarily participate in aquatic plant surveys around the Finger Lakes region. Techs will also work with managers to physically remove high-priority species such as water chestnut. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.

 

Terrestrial Invasive Species Technician

With assistance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL PRISM) staff, Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Technicians will assist in fieldwork, outreach, and education related in terrestrial ecosystems around the Finger Lakes Region. Technicians will work as a team to survey for emerging invasive species, control high priority invasive species populations, participate in invasive species removal events, and collect data relating to plant communities. TIS techs will also be responsible for representing the FLI/FL-PRISM at public events to educate the public on the importance of invasive species. Gain valuable experience, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to regional conservation efforts through seasonal work.

 

Full-Time Job Opportunities with the Finger Lakes PRISM

Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. AIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of aquatic invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert AIS by providing technical and scientific support to partners.

 

Terrestrial Invasive Species Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) Program Manager will develop and administer programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management. TIS programs will address the prevention, monitoring, and treatment of terrestrial invasive species across the 17-county Finger Lakes PRISM region in New York. This position will serve as a regional expert in TIS by providing technical and scientific support to local, regional, and statewide partners.

 

Invasive Species Education & Outreach Program Manager

This position will play a critical role in protecting the Finger Lakes region. The Education and Outreach (E/O) Program Manager will develop and manage public-facing, regional programs to support the goals of the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). Examples of such programs include those focused on watercraft inspection stewards and citizen science. The Finger Lakes Watercraft Inspection Steward Program places staff at public boat launches regionally to educate boaters and inspect watercraft for invasive species. Citizen science programs train volunteers to support the monitoring and early detection goals of the Finger Lakes PRISM.

 

Aquatic Invasive Species Fieldwork Coordinator

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Fieldwork Coordinator will support the Finger Lakes PRISM in a critical role overseeing major aquatic programs. They will help to plan, supervise, and coordinate program-specific efforts that address prevention, monitoring, and control of AIS throughout the Finger Lakes PRISM region. Working under the supervision of Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) staff, the AIS Fieldwork Coordinator will support the supervision of the Finger Lakes Institute’s Watercraft Inspection Steward Program (WISP), and their macrophyte monitoring program

 

Park Ranger

The Tifft Nature Preserve Ranger’s primary responsibility is to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for guests, staff, and other patrons and ensure the security of BSNS property and facilities. The individual in this position will monitor Tifft Nature Preserve on-site through routine patrols of the property on foot and in a BSNS provided utility cart in a variety of weather conditions while being a resource of information for Tifft’s visitors. The Ranger will also assist with trail and grounds maintenance. This position will be scheduled Thursday – Monday, 37.5 hours per week, with holidays as scheduled, shifts to change seasonally. Summer hours for this position are 12pm-8pm.

Note: this position is unarmed and is not a sworn law enforcement officer

 

Ecological Restoration Assistant

The Ecological Restoration Assistant will assist staff and work with volunteers to implement a grant-funded ecological renovation of Tifft’s East Canal. This multi-faceted position requires a passionate and motivated individual who has an interest in ecology and values the living environment. The successful candidate will take joy in performing physical labor outdoors on varied terrain in all weather conditions. The Ecological Restoration Assistant is a summer position that is scheduled to accommodate the academic calendar of most local higher ed institutions. This position is seasonal with a start date of 5/28/2025 and end date of 8/19/2025.

 

Tifft Discovery Camp Counselor

The Tifft Discovery Camp Counselors provide oversight of campers enrolled in Tifft Nature Preserve’s

Summer Discovery Camp programs. Counselors will work collaboratively with the Camp Director,

Facilitators of Learning, Volunteers, and other Counselors to provide memorable and engaging

experiences and a safe and fun summer for all campers. This position requires a friendly and positive

individual who is energized by working with children ages 3 – 10. Ideal candidates will possess an

interest in nature and enjoy being outdoors. The ability to be adaptable, proactive, and problem-solve

is also key. To maintain a safe environment, the Discovery Camp Counselors will understand and

adhere to the Department of Health Children’s Camp and other camp guidelines at all times

 

IT Coordinator

University of Maryland College Park

The IT Coordinator supports all aspects of computer and technical support in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. The IT Coordinator responds to requests for service on all UM computers and peripherals; sets up and records when needed video conferences; installs and troubleshoots hardware and software issues; sets up and manages user accounts, user groups, shared drives, folders and calendars. Works with faculty and Executive Coordinator to add content to and maintain the department web page. Maintains database of all AV/IT capital equipment plus full inventory of all UM tagged inventory (computers, screens, peripherals) and purchases new software and equipment as needed. As the Systems Administrator, the IT Coordinator maintains all user accounts and performs regular virus scans and data backups. The coordinator also stays up to date with technological changes by attending classes, workshops and webinars annually. Performs other duties as they are assigned and needed.

 

Extension Educator II - Turf Landscape (Hybrid Opportunity)

The Turf and Landscape Educator II will be an integral part of UMass Extension’s Commercial Horticulture group, supporting the development and implementation of educational resources and programming; including organization, presentation, and delivery of relevant research-based information to meet the needs of horticultural stakeholders statewide, with the enhancement of economic, human, and environmental health and sustainability of relevant industries as priorities. This position will support and deliver turf and landscape management and cross-commodity programming in collaboration with Extension staff and faculty, and other internal and external collaborators.

 

Coordinator, Nutrient Management Advisor

University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program seeks candidates for a 12-month Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Nutrient Management Advisor. ANMP Nutrient Management Advisors develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers to balance nutrient inputs with crop requirements, thus optimizing production potential, improving farm profitability, reducing excess nutrient inputs into the Chesapeake Bay and enabling producers to comply with the State of Maryland’s Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.

 

Agent (Extension Specialist – Entomology in Ornamental Horticulture IPM)

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.

 

Academic Program Coordinator

University of Maryland College Park

The position will be responsible for providing administrative support to the academic programs’ unit (graduate and undergraduate.)  Graduate Program support will involve communicating with graduate constituents both internal and external; administrating the graduate program including admissions, communicating with and advising students, maintaining records, keeping up-to-date on changes that impact both programs, assisting with recruitment by coordinating advertising and meeting with prospective undergraduate and graduate students and giving tours, planning, executing and running departmental and recruiting events such as the Graduate Student Review Day and the Annual Symposium, and maintaining the graduate program website.  Undergraduate Program Support will involve serving as the departmental scheduling officer for classrooms and courses, assisting with advising and recruitment activities, coordinating online course evaluations, assisting with new student orientations, and preparing administrative paperwork for both programs.

 

Agent Associate - Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator

University of Maryland College Park

The Home Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator is a part-time (.6 FTE - 24 hours per week) position that will work in support of the Baltimore City Home Horticulture Extension Program, which falls under UME’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) program area. The mission of ENR is to strengthen and improve individuals’ knowledge, skills and aspirations to make changes in their lives and the lives of others that positively affect the economy, the environment and the associated natural resources for current and future generations. The Educator will support the ENR programmatic area by educating the public on the research-based best practices regarding home and non-commercial horticulture.

 

Director Administrative Services

University of Maryland College Park

Provide financial oversight for the department to include administration of the state, revolving, and research budgets, presently totaling approximately $6.2 M; prepare and administer memoranda of understanding with various federal and state agencies; administer faculty grant funding accounts and provide account balance updates to each faculty at regular intervals. Managing the departmental budgets and ensuring the financial integrity of the department. Maintain long-term financial plan and projections for the department. Oversee administrative functions to ensure efficient and consistent operations. Assist faculty in preparing grant proposals, including a review of proposed budgets, cost-share justifications, and routing forms. Supervise support personnel to fulfill budgetary, computer hardware/software, word processing, office logistics, travel, personnel, and secretarial needs for the faculty, staff, and students.

 

Maryland SNAP-Ed Agent Associate - Prince George's County Nutrition Educator and Project Leader

The Nutrition Educator and Project Leader will deliver SNAP-Ed programs that encourage a
nutritious and active lifestyle through increased food access, drinking more water, and
promoting physical activity to low-income residents in Prince George's County with emphasis on
reaching SNAP recipients. SNAP-Ed's goal is to provide comprehensive programs that consist of
nutrition education lessons, indirect education and policy, system and environmental-level
changes at partnering sites.

 

Post Doctoral Associate

The Department of Environmental Science & Technology (ENST) at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, (UMD) is pleased to offer three Postdoctoral Associate positions.

Two of the Postdoctoral Associate positions will be led by Dr. Stephanie Lansing. One position will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team that is developing an app for food diversion and will oversee adding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions values for diversion strategies. The second will work with a team on food waste and grass co-digestion at the county-level and oversee a life cycle assessment (LCA) of food waste and yard waste diversion. For more information and to apply please click on the following link: (2) Post-Doctoral-Associate Positions_JR100632

 

WNY PRISM is Hiring! All 2025 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!

For more information, including full job descriptions and to apply, visit https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp.

 

Funding Opportunities     

Previously featured

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge Funding Opportunity  USDA Invests $100 Million to Combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

USDA has announced plans for a funding opportunity to explore prevention, therapeutics, research and potential vaccine candidates to fight highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). USDA will invest up to $100 million in these projects.

Funding is available, through a competitive process, to for-profit organizations, including manufacturers of vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics, states, universities, livestock producer organizations and other eligible entities. USDA will prioritize proposals that address one or more of the following:   

  • Development of novel therapeutics and improved diagnostics to address HPAI in poultry.
  • Research to further understand risk pathways of avian influenza for producers and to inform improved biosecurity and response strategies. Development of novel vaccines to protect poultry from HPAI while promoting biosecurity.  
  • The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions and additional information, is available on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSP0000-25-0015. Deadline to apply is May 19.