IPM News and Events Roundup 12/21/22
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.
Happy Holidays!
The Roundup will return after the New Year, January 6, 2023 with a full issue.
Northeastern IPM Center News
This past fall, the Northeastern IPM Center launched a series of webinars to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. We invited presenters from historically marginalized groups to discuss topics related to their research, or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.
To learn more, register for an upcoming webinar, or view recordings of past webinars in the series, visit www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/deij-in-ipm/
Presenters: Adriana Pericchi, director Apertura, LLC, and Ethan Grundberg, regional vegetable specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program.
Description: Join us to learn about language access and language justice, why it is relevant for agriculture, and what are some tools and approaches to consider when planning a multilingual event.
January 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DzoOzJ4sR26m1DklwqbKMQ
Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
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.
- January 6: Lawn alternatives | 2022 Year in Review
- February 3: Indoor cockroaches | Pet flea/tick treatments
- March 3: Carpenter ants | Carpenter bees
- April 7: Avoiding wildlife at home | Slug/snail management
- May 5: Spotted lanternfly update | Stinging insect ID
- June 2: Common Garden insects | Poison ivy management
- July 7: Pest of home berry plants | Spiders in the home
- August 4: Groundhog management | Bat exclusion
- September 1: Right plant, right place | Transplanting trees/shrubs
- October 6: Jumping worms | Roof gutter pests
- November 3: Winter garden prep | Tick check reminder
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events before our session on January 6, 2023.
Employment Opportunities
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
A nonprofit organization established in 1972 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, CAST is seeking an executive vice president/chief executive officer (EVP/CEO) to advance its mission as a leader in science communication, maintain its strong publishing reputation, increase public visibility, and impact, and lead strong fundraising efforts to ensure and sustainably manage the organization’s financial resources.
The EVP/CEO reports to the board of directors (BOD) and serves as the chief brand ambassador, a nonvoting member of the BOD and the board of representatives, the legal representative of CAST, the editor-in-chief for CAST publications, and supervisor of the CAST staff.
The EVP/CEO provides visionary leadership to the organization and will work with staff and the BOD to manage operations and projects necessary to implement and operationalize CAST’s strategic goals:
- Produce quality and relevant information in a timely manner for our stakeholders.
- Strengthen our communications with stakeholders through social media and other means.
- Maximize the value of our products to our stakeholders.
- Build a strong financial base for the long-term stability of CAST.
Preferred start date is May 2023.
Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Medical Entomology
University of Delaware
The Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in vector biology/medical entomology. The position is a 9-month appointment (paid over 12 months) with responsibilities in teaching and research, allocated as 55% research, 40% teaching, and 5% service.
Review of applications will begin November 1, 2022, with interviews in early 2023
Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Beneficial Insects Lab
UMass Amherst
Conduct research on biological control of the emerald ash borer (EAB) with a focus on population dynamics of both the target pests and introduced parasitoids. Research will occur both in a laboratory and in forests across the U.S. and involves modeling both spatial and temporal dynamics of North American ash recovery in relation to levels of EAB infestations or densities due to the impact of both introduced and endemic natural enemies in various climatic/geographic regions in North America.
Application deadline not listed
Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist
National Pest Management Association
The Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist is responsible for development of technical support materials and providing entomological and scientific support for NPMA members and to other NPMA departments.
The National Pest Management Association has a unique culture that empowers individuals to move the Association and Industry forward through new initiatives, innovative solutions, and creative endeavors. Although we have a nearly 90-year history as an organization, NPMA still offer employees the flexibility and ingenuity to make a positive impact on our shared future.
Central Pine Barrens Commission
The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, through the Suffolk County Water Authority is currently accepting applications for an Ecologist to assist in with ecological management and stewardship projects within the Central Pine Barrens to foster biological diversity, natural resource conservation, and ecosystem protection and restoration.
This position will be strongly focused on management plan development and implementation especially for prescribed burns; pre and post management monitoring; and long-term monitoring to improve forest and grassland health, resiliency to emerging species (such as southern pine beetle) and habitat for rare and endangered species.
Individuals with a strong research background; experience in fire ecology; leading and/or supporting prescribed fires; conducting habitat restorations, and ecological monitoring activities are encouraged to apply.
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking a Fire Management Specialist to perform key roles in managing the comprehensive prescribed fire program operated by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission for the Central Pine Barrens region. Responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of all aspects of the prescribed fire management program; the supervision and training of prescribed fire crews; conducting fuels, smoke and wildland fire management/mitigation; assisting with public education and outreach and the preparation of prescribed and wildland fire management plans for ecological and fuel management in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders. The overarching programmatic goals for the prescribed fire program include fostering biological diversity, natural resource conservation and restoration and wildfire risk reduction within the Central Pine Barrens. This position is full time (37.5) hours a week and will be a designated term position that exists if the commission receives NYS funding to implement a prescribed fire program.
Prescribed Fire Single Resource Boss - Seasonal
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission an individual with experience/qualifications in fire suppression and management; heavy equipment operation and supervision to provide leadership and oversight of prescribed fire management/control, as a seasoned, experienced firefighter on an engine or otherwise as a single resource boss for a comprehensive forest management program focused on prescribed fire operations. This position exercises supervisory authorities and responsibilities in the coordination, use, maintenance and training in the use of prescribed fire equipment and fleet including engines, heavy equipment, power and hand tools and the supervision and mentorship staff/crew related to prescribed fire operations. This position will be based in the Central Pine Barrens Commission office located in Westhampton Beach. This individual will report directly to the Fire Management Specialist. (This seasonal position extends from mid-February through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
Prescribed Fire Crewmember/Squad Boss (FFT1)
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission an individual with experience/qualifications/course work in fire suppression and fire management, heavy equipment operation or a related field, to serve as a seasonal Squad Boss (first line supervisory wildland firefighter) for Prescribed Fire Operations conducted under the Commission’s comprehensive prescribed fire program for the Central Pine Barrens region and will be based in the Central Pine Barrens Commission office located in Westhampton Beach. This individual will report directly to the Fire Management Specialist. (This seasonal position extends from mid-February through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
Prescribed Fire Crewmember (FFT2) - Seasonal
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission is seeking four (4) individuals with experience/qualifications/course work in fire suppression and fire management heavy equipment use or related fields, to serve as a seasonal crew member for Prescribed Fire Operations conducted under the Commission’s comprehensive prescribed fire program for the Central Pine Barrens region (This seasonal position extends from March through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
IR-4
The IR-4 Project is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to join its headquarters team, based on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the National Quality Assurance Unit Manager, the incumbent is a member of the IR-4 Project Quality Assurance Unit and is responsible for various types of quality assurance audits of IR-4 Project generated raw data and reports. The incumbent would be responsible for performing inspections of field sites and lab analyses during critical phases of a study as well as conducting facility inspections.
This vital role helps ensure the quality and integrity of IR-4 Project submissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Many of the functions of this position are required for the IR-4 Project to achieve compliance with US EPA Federal Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs – as documented in Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160).
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
View the job posting and apply here!
Executive Director Job Announcement
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA)
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is hiring an Executive Director to replace our current director who is leaving after years of excellent dedicated service. We are seeking a creative change agent able to take OEFFA to the next level while addressing the challenges of a rapidly shifting agricultural landscape, nonprofit sector, and policy environment.
The ideal start date for this position is December 27, 2022.
Cornell University
This program specializes in integrating basic and applied research to develop new tools in integrative pest management (IPM) science by studying the chemistry and chemical ecology of insect pests. With a focus on plant toxins detoxification mechanisms by insect pests, the aim is to harness RNAi biotechnology to reduce the expression of genes coding for these detoxifying enzymes as a promising alternative to non-selective and resilient insecticides currently used. The research and extension part of this program specializes in developing new methods in analytical chemistry to improve the detection and characterization of insect sex pheromones and plant volatiles, and to test the performance of pheromone lure/trap products to give reliable recommendations to stakeholders on monitoring pest activity in the context of climate change.
Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)
University of Maryland
UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment & Natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Program and Organizational Development, and the Assistant Director of Operations. At the local level, the position works with Area/City Extension directors. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health equity and well-being.
Open until filled with best consideration date: January 30, 2023
Cornell University
We are seeking a Program/Extension Aide II who will closely collaborate with the NYSIPM Digital Outreach and Development Coordinator to take on the following responsibilities in our program.
- Collaboratively build python modules and Django web apps
- Deploy basic Django web apps to test and evaluate python modules using coding best practices.
- Perform basic non-critical planned updates to existing Django web apps, following plan of work documents.
- Research and synthesize new information about online target audience needs.
- Build mockups of digital tool interfaces for user testing.
- Participate in planned Digital Outreach Team meetings and team-building activities.
Invasive Aquatic Coordinator - IF&W Senior Resource Biologist - 1148
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
This position is engaged in professional services and scientific work involving the conservation and management of inland fisheries, including the protection, preservation, and enhancement of Maine’s inland fisheries and wildlife resources. The Invasive Aquatic Coordinator works at the main headquarters of MDIFW and serves as a member of the Fisheries Statewide Support Team, while coordinating invasive fish and wildlife threats and concerns on behalf of the Bureau of Resource Management. The position reports to the Director of Fisheries and Hatcheries.
Apply by December 30, 2022
State of New Hampshire – Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Forest and Lands
Conduct forest information gathering and analysis activities within the Division of Forests and Lands and in cooperation with Department personnel and external partners, to support statewide resource management, forest policy decision making, and organizational effectiveness.
Apply by December 29, 2022
The Department of Environmental Protection – Maine
The Maine DEP Invasive Aquatic Species Program is seeking an individual to join DEP’s team dedicated to preventing, detecting, and managing invasive aquatic species in Maine. The Program focuses on invasive aquatic plants and coordinates with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to address invasive aquatic animals. The successful candidate is expected to work respectfully and collaboratively with the three incumbent members of the Program and with outside contractors, lake residents and organizations. This position will share in overall program operations including field work to evaluate invasive aquatic plant populations, providing technical support to lake groups regarding prevention and early detection, and helping residents and lake associations assess and implement invasive aquatic plant management.
Apply by December 21, 2022
New York State
The Mapping Technologist 2, SG-20, is assigned to Planning & Analysis Bureau of the
Division of Environmental Stewardship & Planning in the Albany – Main Office location
and will report to the Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Natural Resources), SG-23.
Duties and Tasks include but are not limited to:
• Manage the Data Migration project to digitize, update and streamline mapping and
geographic information system (GIS) data files
• Oversee the research, development, implementation, and maintenance of the
mapping component for the Empire State Trail (EST) website
• Manage the research, development, implementation, and maintenance of the
mapping component of the NYS Parks Explorer Application
• Oversee DESP management of ArcGIS Online including creation and
management of user accounts and authoritative data, and development of appand workflow-solutions.
• Collaborate, assess, and direct mapping and GIS projects and tasks with and
among staff across the agency
• Use photogrammetric workstations for the compilation of complex mapping and
digital terrain models (DTMs) following standard specifications and procedures
• Assist in planning and evaluation of aerial photography obtained via DESP Drone
program
• Assign and manage smaller projects involving trail mapping and data updating, as
well as provide technical support between the Albany – Main Office and regional
staff
• Supervise the Mapping Technician 2, SG-16
• Oversee seasonal and contract staff assigned to the Statistical & Resource
Analysis Uni
Applications due by 12/23/2022
Funding Opportunities
Two of our critical grants management systems, CREEMS and ezFedGrants, are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require replacement. NIFA will chose a new grants management solution from these Federally managed technology providers.
This Grants Modernization Initiative is a key priority for NIFA, and our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. Ultimately, this initiative will transform how we do business so that it is more seamless for staff and customers, improves our ability to track and report outcomes, and helps achieve the agency mission more efficiently and effectively.?
NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant RFP
NYFVI is pleased to partner with New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to manage the competitive grant program for New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application. Guided by the State’s Specialty Crop Advisory Group, the 2023 RFP focuses on a subset of the outcomes specified in the broader USDA SCBG RFP. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:
- Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
- Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
- Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
- Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program.
The RFP will be open on October 25th and Applications are due on December 11, 2022
Deadline extended to January 9, 2023.
USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas:
- Research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics
- Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators
- Efforts to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing)
- New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening
- Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production efficiency, handling and processing of specialty crops
The RFA announcement related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is posted. Please download RFA here. Deadline for applications is January 12, 2023
Veg Out - Managing Aquatic Vegetation in Canals
Design and build solutions for managing canal aquatic vegetation for a share of $345,000 in prizes
For more than 100 years, the Bureau of Reclamation has brought water to arid lands to support agriculture and economic development. Today, Reclamation’s 8,000 miles of canals deliver water across the western United States. These canals are negatively impacted by aquatic vegetation. Existing management methods have various drawbacks. The Veg Out Challenge aims to reduce the cost and labor of aquatic vegetation management in canals while minimizing undesirable impacts to water quality or downstream users. The challenge seeks to identify, develop, and test novel, sustainable, scalable solutions that can be used across a range of canal types. A total prize purse of $345,000 will be distributed across the three phases of concept, prototyping, and demonstration.
Submission deadline: January 11, 2023
Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The FY 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) under the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program is now available
The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities. ?
Current closing date: February 13, 2022
Methyl Bromide Transition Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option. Research projects must address commodities with critical issues and include a focused economic analysis of the cost of implementing the transition on a commercial scale.
The RFA announcement and technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is scheduled. Please access the details about the webinar, such as the zoom link, date, time, etc., through the Webinar heading above.
Catskill Science Collaborative
Funded by New York State through Environmental Protection Funds, and with support from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and private donors, the Catskill Science Collaborative (CSC) is one way we help implement the goals of the Catskill Environmental Research and Monitoring (CERM) group. The CSC is coordinated by Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
Purpose of RFP: The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals for Catskill Research
Fellowships. The Fellowships are student research projects mentored by a professor, or other
scientist, that address both the research needs of natural resource managers in the Catskill region
and provide a positive research experience to the Fellow.
Applications are due by Friday, January 6, 2023.
The Crew Assistance Program offers valuable opportunities for partners who can work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff to learn invasive species identification, how to use various survey and monitoring tools, to gain experience with removal methods, strategies and equipment, and learn about prioritization and adaptive management strategies that can be used to increase the effectiveness of invasive species management. In some cases, we’re simply able to provide a few extra hands to help move partner projects to a stage that is easier for them to handle moving forward.
Eligibility and Restrictions:
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, local governments, agencies, associations and
institutions located within, or serving areas within, the 8 counties of WNY PRISM (Allegany, Cattaraugus,
Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties).
All proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, to be
considered for the Crew Assistance Program in 2023.