Overview: The Extension Program Specialist (Integrated Pest Management) will develop and deliver Extension educational programming with a supporting applied research component designed to resolve problems of importance to pecans and field crops in Far West Texas (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 6), with emphasis in El Paso and Hudspeth counties, which primarily includes pecans, cotton, alfalfa, and vegetables.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Work with agricultural producers and urban clientele in Far West Texas (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 6), with emphasis in El Paso and Hudspeth counties.
• Provide technical expertise and develop and deliver educational pest management programming on pecans, cotton, and other crops of importance in Far West Texas.
• Develop an IPM Steering Committee comprised of clientele to help identify regional industry needs.
• Use traditional and innovative Extension outreach techniques to educate producers, agricultural consultants, and agri-industry personnel.
• Develop a clientele supported pest scouting program with emphasis on pecans and cotton, and other crops as needed.
• Provide support and training for Extension County Programs and County Agents in District 6.
• Work closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel in the departments of Soil and Crop Sciences, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology and Microbiology to develop cross-disciplinary Extension and research programs.
• Collaborate with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research personnel at other AgriLife Centers and on campus on projects related to pecan pest management and Fusarium Wilt Race 4 in cotton.
• Secure funding from appropriate sources and publish a regionally relevant IPM newsletter and other Extension outreach materials.
• Evaluate the impact of Extension programs (including an annual in-depth outcome report of a signature program).
• Attend and participate in activities for professional improvement and participate and present information at professional meetings.
• Provide service to the Department of Entomology, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and professional societies or organizations.
The Extension Program Specialist, under general supervision, implements and plans educational programs and activities in assigned program areas. Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities.

Administrative Relationships: The incumbent will be primarily supervised by the Associate Department Head, Department of Entomology, with secondary supervision by the District Extension Directors in Extension District 6, and the Regional Program Director. The Extension Program Specialist will be a member of the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Salary and Benefits: Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits available include group medical insurance, dental insurance, group and individual life insurance, long-term disability insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement plan with Texas A&M System contribution, sick leave, annual leave, paid holidays and administrative leave days, and unemployment compensation.
Review of applications will begin October 28, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Application Instructions:
An application should contain 1) A current resume or curriculum vitae, and 2) Contact information for three references.

External candidates apply through Texas A&M Extension Service External Applicants position R-074302.

Internal candidates apply through WorkDay position R-074302.

Contact Peggy Lundstrom (peggy.lundstrom@ag.tamu.edu) for additional application instructions.
Visit http://entomology.tamu.edu for more information about the department.

Contact Dr. David Kerns at david.kerns@ag.tamu.edu more information about the position.

Texas A&M AgriLife University is an equal-opportunity employer.

Qualifications:
We are recruiting for one position at either the Extension Program Specialist I or Extension Program Specialist II level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.

Required Extension Program Specialist I:
• BS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field.

Preferred Extension Program Specialist I:
• MS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field.
• Knowledge of pecan and cotton insect pests.
• Knowledge and experience in design, implementation and evaluation of educational programs, and knowledge of pecan and cotton production and IPM.
• Experience in conducting applied field-oriented research in insect, weed or disease management, and agronomic crop production.
• Ability to work closely with diverse audiences, communicate effectively (both oral and written), and function effectively as a team member or leader.
• Plan, conduct, and evaluate applied research/demonstrations.

Required Extension Program Specialist II:
• MS or equivalent degree in entomology, weed science, plant pathology, soil and crop science or closely related field and a minimum of three years of experience.

Preferred Extension Program Specialist II:
• Knowledge of pecan and cotton insect pests.
• Knowledge and experience in design, implementation and evaluation of educational programs, and knowledge of pecan and cotton production and IPM.
• Experience in conducting applied field-oriented research in insect, weed or disease management, and agronomic crop production.
• Ability to work closely with diverse audiences, communicate effectively (both oral and written), and function effectively as a team member or leader.
• Plan, conduct, and evaluate applied research/demonstrations.