North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is looking for a highly motivated educator to serve as an Extension specialist in Crop Protection for North Dakota. NDSU Extension is an organization that values people who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. The Extension specialist is a member of a statewide Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities. This is a permanent, non-tenure track position, but includes opportunities for promotion. The appointment is 90% Extension, 10% applied Research.

The Crop Protection specialist is responsible for providing innovative Extension programming that will serve a diverse clientele of producers, as well as industry and advisory groups. Programming will focus primarily on crop pest management and providing education to Extension County agents, producers, and agricultural commodities groups and processors. The Extension specialist will work closely with Extension agents and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve goals. This position will be based at the NDSU North Central Research Extension Center (NCREC) located near Minot, ND. The NCREC Director will provide supervision for this position. North Dakota State University offers compensation and benefits including a retirement plan and full coverage family health insurance. The location of the NCREC offers exceptional opportunities to enjoy a rural and urban lifestyle in a supportive community environment. Minot is a city of 50,000 people in north central North Dakota. Minot is an All-American City with excellent health, educational, recreational, community facilities, and a modern international airport. The area is noted for small grain, oilseed, livestock, and energy production. More information is available at: https://minotchamberedc.com/

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in entomology, plant pathology, or a closely related field.
• Academic training and/or experience with crop insects, crop diseases, agronomy, soils, and weed management.
• Working knowledge of crop production systems in North Dakota.
• Familiarity with Northern Plains agriculture.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with varied audiences, including individuals and groups, as a team member.
• Proficiency in various computer programs for use in developing and delivering educational programs.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues in crop pests.
• Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Commercial pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Entomology, plant pathology, or a closely related field.
• Experience in field crops-related research.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external funds.
• Successful publication of Extension and/or research results in the popular press and professional journals.
• Experience working with the Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated skills in web-based education, social media platforms, and other modes of communication.