IPM News and Events Roundup 06/06/2025

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

Northeastern IPM Center News

The May 2025 issue of IPM Insights

EPA / FDA / USDA / NIFA News

EPA Announces Proposed Registration of Pesticide Diflufenican

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released for public comment its proposed registration decision for two products containing the new?active ingredient diflufenican, a broad-spectrum herbicide for use for preplant and preemergence control of broad leaf weeds including waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, and other pigweed species in corn and soybean. This new active ingredient would give farmers an additional tool to help manage crops and increase yields in order to provide a healthy and affordable food supply for our country.

Safeguarding the Nation’s Farmers

The number of U.S. farms dropped below 2 million farms in 2022, a decrease of more than 315,000 since 1997.

The troubling fact is that some farms fail because of poor financial management. Supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Extension Risk Management Education program educates farmers and ranchers about managing the risks of producing food and fiber - enhancing rural prosperity. Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) is managed by four regional centers, supported by an electronic support center, housed at Land-grant Universities that provide competitive grant funding and leadership within their regions.

Focused on farmers, ranchers and producers, ERME projects encourage public-private partnerships. Projects must clearly identify how they will help producers, including those underserved by crop insurance, manage risk associated with farming and ranching.

USDA Researchers Find Viruses from Miticide Resistant Parasitic Mites are Cause of Recent Honey Bee Colony Collapses (ars.usda.gov)

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are helping American beekeepers solve the mystery behind a widespread honey bee colony collapse and its debilitating effects on U.S. agriculture. Researchers have submitted a manuscript to a scientific journal for peer review based on our research findings that identified high levels of deformed wing virus A and B and acute bee paralysis in all recently USDA-sampled bees.

Research in the news

Prioritizing parents from global genebanks to breed climate-resilient crops (nature.com)

Crop diversity is an essential resource for global breeding programmes aimed at climate resilience. However, adaptation depends both on whether genetic diversity exists and if it is accessible. Here we consider the biological and social risks of crop adaptation at global and national levels using 1,937 publicly available genotyped and georeferenced accessions of sorghum, a staple crop for subsistence farmers. Accessions were given a future climate resilience score and a genomic adaptive capacity score using genomic estimated adaptive values generated from environmental genomic selection. We identified the best potential parents and the geographies that harbors the most promising genotypes for crop improvements, as well as more at-risk areas. Such methods may be expanded to other crops and used for decision support for future breeding.

Attenuation of virulence in Yersinia pestis across three plague pandemics (science.org)

Plague has devastated human and rodent populations alike many times throughout history. Sidhu et al. tracked the genetics of virulence in the plague pathogen Yersinia pestis in ancient and modern samples. They observed that the bacterial virulence factor pla, a gene encoding a protease, periodically becomes depleted late in epidemics. The authors verified that pla depletion reduces virulence in mouse models of bubonic plague. Therefore, in response to high disease mortality, selection could act to attenuate virulence. This would allow the pathogen to persist in tolerant reservoir hosts when susceptible host populations fragment and pathogen transmission becomes uncertain. —Caroline Ash

Wastewater surveillance for assessing human exposure to pesticides: Investigating populations living near flower bulb fields (sciencedirect.com)

Highlights

Human pesticide exposure was assessed through wastewater-based surveillance.
Populations living near flower bulb fields were more exposed to pesticides.
Differences were observed for exposure biomarkers of tebuconazole and metolachlor-S.
Wastewater data of hydroxy-tebuconazole coincided with increased concentrations in urine.
Wastewater surveillance can provide valuable support to human biomonitoring programs.

Assessment of genetic damage levels in agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Paraíba, Brazil (sciencedirect.com)

Highlights

Brazil lacks biomonitoring studies on pesticide-exposed farm workers.
BMCyt and comet assays assessed genotoxicity in 33 exposed farmers.
Lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol, cancer history) were analyzed.
Farmers >?50?y had more micronuclei, binucleated cells, abnormalities.
Exposed farmers' buccal cells showed higher DNA damage levels.

UMass Extension's InsectXaminer Episode 6: Periodical Cicadas

Brood XIV (14) periodical cicadas are emerging in parts of Barnstable and Plymouth Counties in Massachusetts for the first time in 17 years! The last time these insects were seen and heard above ground was in 2008 - and after 2025, we won't see or hear from them again until 2042! Brood XIV is also geographically located in parts of KY, GA, IN, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WV. Periodical cicadas were known to the native peoples of North America for centuries before Europeans arrived but first recorded by European settlers in 1634. These insects are a wonder of nature and should be respected and studied with awe; however, for a short time, they may feel like "pests" to some. Their main hosts are oak species, and they emerge in large numbers in their broods which occur every 13-17 years, depending on the cicada species. Female periodical cicadas may girdle smaller saplings and twigs of their host plants when they oviposition (lay their eggs) in slits in the bark. Management of periodical cicadas is rarely warranted, with the exception of protecting newly installed, young trees with bird netting (or electing to delay planting until the year following expected brood emergence). Mature, well-established trees typically tolerate and may even benefit from periodical cicada egg laying activity. (Acts as natural pruning.) Periodical cicadas provide a burst of resources in their ecosystems - they are food for birds, other insects and even fish. When they adults die, they return nutrients to the soil. Periodical cicadas are not a plague, and their population should be protected.

Seeing periodical cicadas in 2025? Please take photos and share your observations here on MDAR's iNaturalist Mass Cicadas: Brood XIV Project!

That video and others are housed on our website, here: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/education-events/insectxaminer

USDA Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Deregulate Corn Developed Using Genetic Engineering

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition to deregulate corn developed using genetic engineering to resist feeding damage caused by certain lepidopteran pests.

The public will have 30 days to review and comment on APHIS’ evaluation documents, and are encouraged to submit scientific data, studies, or research to support their comments.

The Federal Register notice announcing the draft EA and the draft PPRA can be viewed on the APHIS News page. Beginning June 3, 2025, members of the public can submit comments through July 3, 2025, by going to www.regulations.gov and entering “APHIS-2020- 0113” into the Search field.

News

Prevent Spotted Lanternfly From Spreading: A Checklist for Travelers (extension.psu.edu)

This invasive and destructive pest threatens Pennsylvania's agricultural commodities and trade, has a healthy appetite for our plants, and can be a significant nuisance to our quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors. Use this checklist to help stop the invasion!

Mental Health Awareness a Priority to Delaware Farm Bureau and Delaware Department of Agriculture (defb.org)

The Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB), in partnership with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), has launched a new mental health awareness initiative aimed at supporting the well-being of the agricultural community. As part of the campaign, stickers featuring the national suicide and crisis hotline number, 988, have been produced for placement in tractor cabs, farm offices, and other highly visible areas. The goal is to remind farmers and rural residents that “it’s okay to not be okay,” and that help is always available.

A Potentially Life-Threatening Disease Caused by Ticks Is Expanding to New Parts of America (smithsonianmag.com)

In North America, babesiosis typically occurs in the Northeast and the Upper Midwest. But the parasite’s range seems to be expanding into the mid-Atlantic, according to a new paper published last month in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

Scientists are urging health care providers in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease, which is easiest to treat when it’s caught early.

A Fungal Disease Ravaged North American Bats. Now, Researchers Found a Second Species That Suggests It Could Happen Again (smithsonianmag.com)

White-nose syndrome caused millions of bat deaths, and scientists are sounding the alarm that a second fungus could be disastrous if it reaches American wildlife.

Investing in IPM: Putting Seed in the (Seed)bank (blogs.cornell.edu)

There are a couple things you could do like aeration, topdressing, applying fertilizer or installing irrigation. These practices can improve a field, but the power is not truly realized until you do the most basic of field maintenance practices – overseeding! Overseeding – or applying turfgrass seed into an existing stand of turf – is the backbone of a successful field maintenance program.

Research at risk: Better testing for tick-borne diseases (news.cornell.edu)

Laura Goodman was close to finalizing a prototype of a new test that can detect any tick-borne disease. Unlike some current tests, it could provide results even before symptoms occur – and even for unknown diseases.

The Western Front

Newsletter of the Western Integrated Pest Management Center?

Growers Helping Growers Avoid a Devastating Cranberry Disease
Pests Are Thieves of the Natural World
Well-Designed Buffer Strips Can Control Pests, Erosion, Runoff and More
"MAHA" Report Brushes by Agriculture
USDA Announces "Small Family Farms First" Initiative
PERC Funding Reinstated after Pause

Southern IPM Center

May 2025 newsletter

2025 Southern IPM Grants Awardees
2025 Friends of IPM Awardees
SERA3 Pest Priority List for the Southern Region
New Pest Management Strategic Plans (Southern Region Specific)
- Cotton Southern Plains
- Crapemyrtle
EPA Releases Final Insecticide Strategy for ESA
New Ecoefficiency Article
International IPM Symposium Recap
Upcoming Webinar on New World screwworm

The Penn State Agronomy Guide (extension.psu.edu)

An updated, 2025 edition of this guide that provides information on crop and soil management, as well as recommendations for managing weed, insect, and disease pests in various crops.

The Penn State Agronomy Guide is designed as a quick reference for information on crop and soil management, including varieties, nutritional requirements, establishment, and harvesting; storing seed and grain; and farm management and budgeting. Recommendations for managing weed, insect, and disease pests in corn, grain sorghum, soybean, small grains, and forages are provided in Part 2.

The Importance of Proactive Disease Control (southeastagnet.com)

Peanut Growers put their best efforts into their crop year in and year out. As growers determine the best course of action to battle Leaf Spot and White Mold, BASF is reminding growers of the importance of proactive disease control and the potential damages they can cause to crops. We caught up with BASF’s Abraham Fulmer who provided some insights for growers to consider.

Sweet Taste Inhibitor Curbs Aphid Feeding, but Also Plant Growth (entomologytoday.org)

A team of researchers in China studied the role of sucrose receptors in aphids, and experimented with a commercial sweet-taste inhibitor, lactisole, to see if the chemical could alter aphid feeding behavior. The researchers found that lactisole does reduce sugar feeding in aphids, reporting their findings in an article published in February in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

DPR Proposes Regulations for Tracking Reportable Pesticide Use Near Schools (cdpr.ca.gov)

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released proposed regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1864, signed by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2024, to require field identification and reporting on pesticide use near schools to provide greater transparency and ensure compliance with existing regulations that restrict agricultural pesticide use near schools and licensed child day care facilities.

Scientists Find a New Way to Help Plants Fight Diseases (rutgers.edu)

A breakthrough by a collaboration between Rutgers and Brookhaven National Laboratory could improve crop resilience

In a discovery three decades in the making, scientists at Rutgers and Brookhaven National Laboratory have acquired detailed knowledge about the internal structures and mode of regulation for a specialized protein and are proceeding to develop tools that can capitalize on its ability to help plants combat a wide range of diseases.

Sorghum: Herbicide Options and Considerations if Corn Crop Fails (extension.psu.edu)

For various reasons sorghum is starting to catch on here in the state. Some grow it as an emergency forage if initial corn crop fails, others are growing it in areas to deter crop damage from large deer populations, while others produce it for bird seed or other utilities. Whatever the reason, weed control is necessary in ensure good crop yield and herbicides provide an effective means. There are several common herbicides that can be used in sorghum such as atrazine, s-metolachlor (Dual II Magnum, Bicep II Magnum, Lexar, Halex GT, etc.), acetochlor (Warrant, Degree Xtra, Enversa, Fultime NXT, etc.), dimethenamid (Outlook, Verdict), mesotrione (Callisto, Coyote, Lexar, etc.), other products such as Clarity/dicamba, 2,4-D, Permit, Peak, Huskie, Maestro, Facet L, Yukon, as well as a few other herbicides. However, not all of these are labeled for both grain and forage (forage sorghum, sudangrass, or sorghum-sudangrass hybrids) sorghum types. In some cases, herbicide labels can be difficult to interpret as to which sorghum type it is labeled for. All of them are labeled for use in grain types, however, only preemergence products like atrazine, Bicep II Magnum, Dual II Magnum and Warrant/Enversa have forage labels.

Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more

Newly featured this issue

New World Screwworm Webinar

This free webinar will cover the biology of the pest, prevention and treatment strategies, public health perspectives, including pets, the importance of New World screwworm awareness and prevention, current status, government response, and surveillance programs, as well as a question-and-answer session.
The screwworm fly, a metallic green-blue fly with large orange eyes, is about twice the size of a common house fly.

Date: June 9, 2025

Time: 03:00 PM in EST

Local Economic Considerations for Large Scale Solar

Large-scale solar development often raises important questions for local municipalities, particularly regarding potential economic impacts. This session will feature insights from the Assessors Association of Pennsylvania, offering guidance on considerations and possible approaches to taxing large-scale solar systems. Additionally, experienced assessors will share their expertise on how solar arrays may affect local property values, providing real-world perspectives on valuation impacts. Understanding these critical factors can equip local residents, officials, and decision makers with the knowledge needed to engage in informed, responsible conversations about proposed solar developments in their communities.

This event is being offered at no charge to participants.

Date: June 26, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT

Previously featured

Blue Ridge PRISM Summer Meeting

"Working Together: How Neighborhood Associations Can Address Invasive Plants"

Join us for a panel-style webinar when three neighborhood association leads will share how their communities address invasive plants in their neighborhoods. They will share stories, discuss the hurdles, and give tips on how to organize and train a group to work together as a community.

There will be a Q&A with audience questions at the end of the program.

You can submit your questions beforehand (during registration) to our panel of experts, or ask them live.

This is a free online event and includes a question & answer period with the audience. Those who register will receive access to the recording.

To register or for more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1320623794319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday, July 16
11:30 am to 1 pm, via Zoom

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

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.

June 18: Cover, Smash, Trap: Non-chemical Methods for Pest Management
July 17: Wild World of Wasps!

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

EIQ and Neonicotinoid Economics Support Specialist

The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) at Cornell AgriTech is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The Program/Extension Aid III will provide support to the improvement of the EIQ, a web-based decision support tool that consolidates potential pesticide risks to farm workers, consumers, and non-target organisms into a single metric. As a critical tool for promoting sustainable pesticide use and mitigating environmental and human health risks, the EIQ requires ongoing maintenance and enhancement. With the availability of new pesticide exposure data, there is a need to refine the calculation methodology to improve its accuracy and applicability. This person will support the expansion and improvement to strengthen the NYSIPM scientific rigor, usability, and impact of the EIQ, ensuring its continued role as a valuable resource for sustainable pesticide management in New York and beyond.

Program Associate I (Fruit IPM)

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Program Associate I (Fruit IPM) for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position reports to the Fruit IPM Agent in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension (RCE). The position provides leadership and support, in collaboration with the Fruit IPM Agent, other county faculty and specialists, in identifying and conducting integrated pest management (IPM) program needs, coordination and general program support for commercial tree fruit, grape and other fruit growers.

Posting Open Date 05/12/2025

Posting Close Date 06/12/2025

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

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.

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.