IPM News and Events Roundup 06/23/23

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.

Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center

Online Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Course Coming in June, 2023

The IPM in Multifamily Housing Course is offered to help housing professionals provide safe and effective pest control in their communities.

Schedule

All Sessions will be approximately 90 minutes depending on participation. We have scheduled 2 hours for each session to allow for questions and discussions. These webinars are interactive, including polls, chats and Q&A.

June 29 Session 4: Bed Bugs

Check your time zone! All sessions will be held:

1:00pm - 3:00pm Eastern
12:00pm - 2:00pm Central
11:00am - 1:00pm Mountain
10:00am - 12:00pm Pacific

The course covers:

the biology, behavior and health risks of the major pests of housing (bed bugs, cockroaches and rodents);
how to effectively manage pests within a housing community with the least risk of pesticide exposure for residents and staff;
and how to troubleshoot pest control failures.

***this course is also offered on-site, in-person. Reach out to us for more information.

Attend all 4 sessions and pass the quiz to earn your IPM in Multifamily Housing Certificate of completion! For more information about online or in-person training visit www.stoppests.org

StopPests in Housing is a program of Cornell University’s Northeastern IPM Center. We receive funding from HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to provide free pest management training and technical assistance to HUD-assisted properties.

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.

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 July 7, 2023.

What’s Bugging You First Friday events are in Spanish this year. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga

And can register using this form: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQDpakcGrSd3tc

2023 New York Invasive Species Expo

Join us for the 2023 NYS Invasive Species Expo! This is a unique conference focusing on invasive species, and will combine classic presentations and creative use of outdoor space to appeal to a wide range of attendees. The Expo will be an immersive, hands-on experience featuring:

Unique presentations
Interactive demonstrations
Hands-on workshops
Small-group discussions
Field trips & outdoor activities

The Expo will be hosted within the unique, historic architecture of beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park and will be open to the public with no cost for general attendance.

Sessions will be centered around the overall theme: Reflect, Adapt, Evolve. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on what’s been accomplished so far in the field of invasive species management, learn about the innovative ways we can adapt in unprecedented times, and discuss how we can evolve to confront challenges moving into the future.

September 24-26th, 2023

Employment Opportunities

Assistant Extension Specialist

Rutgers University

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics invites qualified candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant Extension Specialist (equivalent to Assistant Professor) in Farm Viability. This is a 12-month tenure track position, housed in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. The Assistant Extension Specialist will hold a majority appointment in Rutgers Cooperative Extension and is expected to be an active member of the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead externally funded research and extension programs that support and strengthen the viability of New Jersey farms, spanning different scales, commodities, and production systems. The expected outcomes are identifying needs and providing program outreach to underserved farmers and agricultural constituencies. Programmatic emphases will include sustainable agricultural production, diversified farming systems, climate resilience, feasibility analysis, farm management and business decision-making, and the development of marketing strategies. In addition, the Specialist is expected to participate in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching and advisement of independent research projects in the field of expertise.

The UMass Extension Agriculture Program has five Extension Educator positions open. If you want to use science to help Massachusetts farmers be more successful and sustainable, please apply for one or more of these opportunities to join our team! The default location for all positions is the UMass Amherst campus, with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements. Candidates who wish to be considered for more than one of the above positions need to apply for each position individually.

1 and 2. The UMass Extension Fruit Team is currently hiring one Extension Educator III (MS-level) and one Extension Educator II (BS-level). The successful candidate for the Educator III position will have expertise in tree or small fruit crop and pest management and will work with other members of the Fruit Team to provide science-based educational programming and technical assistance to commercial fruit growers in MA, and conduct applied research on relevant crop and pest management topics. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in plant pathology and/or small fruit production. The Extension Educator II, which is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability, will provide program support for the Fruit Team, assisting with educational programming, organizing grower meetings, contributing to publication of newsletters, and assisting with applied research trials. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.

Fruit Extension Educator III

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518181/fruit-extension-educator-iii-umass-extension

Fruit Extension Educator II

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518182/fruit-extension-educator-ii-umass-extension

3. Extension Educator III Production Agriculture

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518183/extension-educator-iii-production-agriculture

The UMass Extension Vegetable and Fruit Teams are hiring an Extension Educator III to provide cross-commodity educational programming and technical assistance for commercial vegetable and fruit growers in MA, and conduct applied research. Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in weed biology and management, but other cross-cutting disciplines, for example climate change and technology, will be considered. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.

4. Soil Health Extension Educator IV

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518166/extension-educator-iv-soil-health-umass-extension

The UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab is hiring a Soil Health Educator IV who will develop and deliver recommendations to customers and educational resources relevant to soil fertility and health, with potential for some applied research projects. They will collaborate with Extension professionals across multiple teams in production agriculture, commercial horticulture, and urban agriculture. This is a MS-level position requiring significant experience, with a preference for candidates with expertise in analytical testing and practical recommendations in soil fertility and health. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.

5. Urban Agriculture Extension Educator III

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/518177/urban-agriculture-extension-educator-umass-extension

UMass Extension is hiring an Urban Agriculture Educator III to join a recently hired Urban Agriculture Educator based in Newton and a soon-to-be hired Extension Faculty member at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. The Educator will develop and deliver educational resources to support agricultural enterprises in urban areas of Massachusetts and maintain working relationships with organizations and professionals in urban agriculture and linked fields. Successful candidates will have at least a BA/BS and three years of relevant professional experience, in addition to strong multi-cultural competence and experience delivering fact-based information. This is a 24-month appointment that may be extended pending funding availability. Alternate UMass locations in Massachusetts can be discussed with the preferred candidate. For more details please see the full position descriptions linked below.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist-Horticulture/Plant Science

Penn State’s Department of Plant Science (https://plantscience.psu.edu/) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research and Extension activities on Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) within the framework of a collaborative interdisciplinary project funded by the USDA-NIFA OREI program and investigating the use of ASD for Enhancing and Advancing the Sustainability of Organic Crop Production.

Using agronomic and laboratory procedures for soil and plant analysis, the primary goal of the research will be to optimize and evaluate opportunities for integrating ASD in organic vegetable and strawberry crop systems and assess the short- and long-term impact of ASD on nutrient dynamics, soil ecology/microbiology, soilborne pests and pathogens, soil health, crop physiology and yield and quality performance.

The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Francesco Di Gioia and will be working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in horticulture, soil microbiology, plant pathology, nematology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem science and management, and agricultural economics.

Location: Primary work location will be Penn State, University Park located at State College, in Central Pennsylvania.

WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant

The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM)

The WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant will work closely with WNY PRISM staff and partners to implement and expand our education, outreach and community science programs, and will report directly to the WNY PRISM Community Science and Engagement Program Manager. Education efforts are essential to the success of the partnership and are integrated into nearly all aspects of WNY PRISM’s work. The selected candidate will help maintain the WNY PRISM social media accounts and Listserv, update and develop invasive species educational materials, prepare e-newsletters, organize and lead education events, maintain detailed records, and communicate with partners. In addition, the Education and Outreach Assistant will assist with invasive species management activities such as invasive species surveys, removal and habitat restoration projects, as needed. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.

WNY PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to learn and work within all aspects of invasive species management. Individuals will gain valuable experience and increase their skill level in the fields of public outreach and education, program development, materials development, volunteer coordination, and invasive species management.

This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $17.00/hour), which starts as soon as possible and continues through September 22, 2023. The E&O Assistant will work Tuesday – Saturday, with Sunday/Monday off.

Position is open until filled and review of applications will begin immediately.

IR-4 Project Program Operations Coordinator

The IR-4 Project Program Operations Coordinator will work to ensure project objectives are met, office and meeting spaces are operated, budgets are managed and adhered to, meetings are professionally planned and executed, and support is provided to scientists to ensure on-time grant deliverables. Specific activities include but are not limited to:

Independently manage core administrative activities (bookkeeping, human resource items, etc.);
Provide support with student and staff hiring and onboarding;
Track and manage resource allocation, procurement activities, and managing contracts;
Assist with the management of project accounting, contracts, and subcontracts;
Manage the procurement of supplies and services;
Lead the planning and execution of logistics with the team, from contract to post-meeting surveys, professional meetings, and events;
Overall management of project office and meeting spaces;
Provide guidance and support with the travel needs and activities of headquarter project members, and stakeholders as needed;
Maintain and meet project schedules and timelines;
Generate and disseminate resources and information to stakeholders;
Supervision of others as required;
Must be able to travel to attend IR-4 National Meetings as required;
Special projects.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is hiring a Regional Hemlock Coordinator. The Regional Hemlock Program Coordinator will oversee regional efforts to conserve forest and riparian habitat by protecting eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) from hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) (HWA). This position will supervise a 10-month SCA position, and potentially two seasonal staff. Position will be supervised in the Finger Lakes Region as part of the regional Environmental Field Team and will report findings and coordinate contracted treatments through the Invasive Species Unit based in Albany, NY (ISU). Follow link for more info: https://statejobs.ny.gov/employees/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=130187

Postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Daniel Gruner in the Department of Entomology, University of Maryland – College Park

A postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Daniel Gruner in the Department of Entomology, University of Maryland – College Park. As part of a collaborative effort with the USDA (ARS, APHIS, and Forest Service), the incumbent will examine the efficacy and impact of a national biological control program targeting the invasive emerald ash borer. This project develops and extends novel analytical approaches leveraging data from a national geospatial database for the release and recovery of parasitoids for biological control, the US Forest Inventory and Analysis program, and other open data on land use and climate. Review of applications will begin June 15, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified. Preferred start date is September 1, 2023.

SCIENTIST (WATER ECOLOGY)

The Ecological Research and Assessment (ERA) Section provides an array of services to the Bureau of Water Supply and other bureaus in the fields of invasive species, wetlands, restoration, aquatic ecology, and project review. Through research and monitoring programs, ERA supports management of City lands, regulatory reviews, partnership programs and a wide range of watershed protection and management programs. Understanding and managing the wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the watershed and their relationship with the uplands is very important for assessing their condition and identifying and mitigating potential water quality threats.
Under supervision, of the Invasive Species Biologist, the Scientist (Water Ecology) I serve as Field Technician and will assist in performing field surveys, management activities, data collection and analysis, project reviews, and procurement-related and administrative tasks to support the completion of goals and tasks in the Ecological Research and Assessment Section.

JOB ID: 585006

Civil Service Title: SCIENTIST (WATER ECOLOGY)

Business Title: Field Technician

Posting Date: 05/16/2023

Posting Until: 07/15/2023

Work Location:

71 Smith Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401

Farm Supervisor, Musgrave Research Farm- Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station, Aurora, NY (Full-time)

Cornell University

The role of the Farm Supervisor is to manage and direct the day-to-day field operations on the diverse, 400+ acre research teaching, and extension/outreach facility. The Supervisor is responsible for field and facility activities related to agronomic crop research, ranging from field preparation and management of research plots to the sustainable production of agronomic crops in support of research operations.

Farm Manager, Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm - Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station, Freeville, NY (Full-time)

Cornell University

Oversee and direct day-to-day operations and all CUAES employees and research staff at the 260 acre Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm in Freeville NY.
Provide direct support for research, teaching and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission.
Direct and actively participate in all phases of conventional and organic crop research and production in support of 22 faculty research programs from 7 different departments.
Provide leadership for facility operations and coordinate farm activities.
Areas of oversight are extensive. Serve as building coordinator for a 3000 sq. ft. research lab building, numerous barns, a greenhouse, 3 high tunnels, office, mechanical shops, and a pesticide storage facility.
Supervise, hire, and evaluate employees. Participate in decision-making processes for new Agricultural Experiment Station hires.
Teach on-site classes and lead farm tours.
Interact with faculty, staff, other farm managers, directors, and deans.
Check the link for more information and the rest of the description

Education and Prevention Manager (Full-time)

North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)

NAISMA is hiring an education and prevention manager to oversee their professional development and educational programming, including InvasivesU, webinars, summits, and the PlayCleanGo program.

Apply by June 30, 2023

Resiliency Planting Program Assistant – Albany, NY (Full-time)

SUNY Research Foundation

This position with the SUNY Research Foundation will lead the NYSDEC, Division of Lands & Forests resiliency planting efforts, including goals and strategies outlined in the Climate Act Scoping Plan (NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, CLCPA), afforestation and reforestation programs, including projects related to invasive species restoration.

Apply by July 20, 2023 for optimal consideration

Funding Opportunities

Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize Competition on Management of Invasive Species 2023

Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize Competition for Management of Invasive Species 2023

Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to native ecosystems, human health, or the economy. They affect all habitats, terrestrial and aquatic. Well-known examples include zebra mussels, feral swine, lionfish, the fungus which causes white-nose syndrome, invasive carp, aquatic and terrestrial weeds, and pythons. One characteristic of invasive species is that they reproduce and spread rapidly, often out-competing native species. This often makes them challenging to control. Preventing new invasions is the most effective strategy. However, managers often need more tools to restrict invasive species' inadvertent movement through commerce.
For example, the introduction and subsequent rapid spread of medusahead grass have caused serious management concerns because of its swift migration, vigorous competitive nature, and low forage value. In 2020, annual grasses dominated approximately one-fifth (>19 million acres) of Great Basin rangelands. This rapid expansion was associated with a broadening topographic niche, with widespread movement into higher elevations and north-facing aspects consistent with the predicted effects of a warming climate. (The elevational ascent and spread of exotic annual grass dominance in the Great Basin, USA - Smith - 2022 - Diversity and Distributions - Wiley Online Library) This continues to be a dominant challenge in the western U.S., as indicated by the current Western Weed Action Plan, which states: "One of the most pervasive challenges/opportunities to the long-term viability of this landscape (western United States) is the spread of invasive annual grasses and regulated noxious weeds, and their role in altering natural ecosystem dynamics, including increasing wildfire frequency, intensity, and size, particularly in the Great Basin region and critical sage-grouse habitat." (https://westernweed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WesternWeedActionPlan.pdf)
Keeping invasive grasses out of un-infested habitats is a central tactic of the 2022 Sagebrush Conservation Design and similar strategies. However, managers often need more tools to prevent and control the spread of invasive grasses.
The movement of plants and other horticultural products also serves as a significant pathway for spreading new invasive animal species (including insects) into and within the United States. Coqui frogs and spotted lanternflies are two examples of ecologically and economically harmful species recently found in nursery products transported between current infestations and uninvaded areas. Although existing regulatory and education programs reduce some risk, these ongoing interceptions illustrate that new solutions are needed to improve the prevention of unintentional animal species moving into new habitats and regions through the horticultural trade.
To win the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize Competition for Management of Invasive Species, participants must submit their solution that addresses the issue through one of these high-priority focal areas:
a) Invasive Grasses: A solution that provides land managers with new methods, tools, and strategies to help prevent and reduce the spread of invasive grasses and conserve our native ecosystems. Although solutions may be species-specific, we prefer they address multiple species.
b) Horticulture Pathway: A solution that reduces or prevents inadvertent movement of invasive animal species (including insects) by targeting transmission pathways associated with plant nursery trade and other commercial horticulture activities.

DEC ANNOUNCES $350,000 IN GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FINGER LAKES WATERSHED COMMUNITIES

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $350,000 in competitive funding is now available to help communities in the Finger Lakes watershed restore and protect water quality. The grants are supported by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and administered under DEC’s Finger Lakes Watershed Grants Program.

“New York has made significant investments to improve water quality and our natural resources across the state. The grants announced today provide another boost to the Finger Lakes and their watershed communities,” said Commissioner Seggos. “This is the first round of an exciting new grant opportunity administered by the Finger Lakes Watershed Hub to support projects in the Finger Lakes.”

Grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 are available. All projects must have defined measurable project objectives, tasks, and deliverables that can be completed within a two-year contract term and are located within the geographic boundaries of the Finger Lakes watershed. Funding will be used to implement the following project types to restore and protect water quality: monitoring and research to better understand and address the issues and vulnerabilities facing the Finger Lakes; planning and implementation of best management practices; and education and outreach to increase understanding of Finger Lakes’ natural resources, build community involvement, and encourage future stewardship.

Round one of the Finger Lakes Watershed Grants Program Request for Applications (RFA) is available online through the New York State Grants Gateway at https://grantsgateway.ny.gov. The Grants Gateway is an online grants management system that streamlines the way grants are administered by New York State. All grant applications, including government entities and not-for-profit organizations, must be registered in the Grants Gateway to be eligible to apply for any state grant opportunity. Not-for-profit applicants are required to “prequalify” in the Grants Gateway system. Registration and prequalification forms are available online at https://grantsreform.ny.gov.

Grant applications must be submitted online through the Grants Gateway no later than 3 p.m. on July 21, 2023.

The Finger Lakes watershed is the combined area of the 11 glacially formed Finger Lakes and their watersheds. The watershed is approximately 4,600 square miles, extending into all or parts of 13 counties, and includes three of the 10 largest lakes in New York State. The Finger Lakes watershed is contained within the Seneca-Oneida-Oswego and Genesee River drainage watersheds, which ultimately flow north to Lake Ontario.

For more information on the Finger Lakes Watershed Hub, geographic focus of the Grants Program, and more, visit DEC’s website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/122661.html. General questions about the Finger Lakes Watershed Grants Program may be directed to Aimee Clinkhammer, FLWP@dec.ny.gov.