POSITION DESCRIPTION

 Position:  Assistant Professor, Pecan, Viticulture and Fruit Extension Entomologist (12-month, 75% Extension and 25% Research), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University

Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville, Texas

Overview: The Pecan, Viticulture and Fruit Extension Entomologist will develop and deliver Extension educational programming with a supporting applied research component designed to resolve problems of importance to pecan, viticulture, and fruit producers in Texas. This individual will develop and lead statewide Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Entomology efforts related to pecan, viticulture, and fruit arthropod pest management.

 Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise on pecan, viticulture, and fruit arthropod pest management.
• Develop a statewide Extension program related to pecan, viticulture, and fruit arthropod pest management serving homeowners. small scale, and commercial producers.
• Develop a Nationally recognized applied research program of importance to pecan, viticulture, and/or fruit producers.
• Use traditional and innovative Extension outreach techniques to educate diverse audiences including homeowners. small scale, commercial producers, and Master Gardeners.
• Provide support and training for Extension County Programs and County Agents.
• Work closely with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research horticulture and plant pathology personnel to develop cross-disciplinary Extension and research programs.
• Work closely with the Texas Pecan Growers Association, the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, and the Texas Fruit Growers Association to help identify Texas’ industry needs.
• Develop an applied research program related to arthropod pest management in pecans, viticulture, and fruits.
• Secure funding from appropriate sources and publish the results of research and other creative activities including peer-reviewed journals, Extension outlets, and trade magazines.
• Participate in the training of graduate students and provide service to the Department of Entomology, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and professional societies or organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or soon will be completing a Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent managerial skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in pecan, or closely related nut crops, arthropod pest management.
• Secondary knowledge and experience related to viticulture or fruit crop arthropod pest management.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting applied research in nut, viticulture, and fruit crops suitable for driving effective Extension programming.
• Evidence of scholarship through scientific and/or Extension presentations and publications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse audiences including faculty, stakeholders, and other clientele.
• Expertise with modern communication strategies such as web-based publications and effective use of social media.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville: The Stephenville Center is located in north-central Texas and is centrally located for Texas’ pecan and wine vineyard industries. The Stephenville Center is located at 1229 N. US Hwy 281, Stephenville, TX 76401. The Stephenville Center houses 5 Research and 6 Extension faculty. Facilities include greenhouses, laboratory and office space, classroom, and conference rooms. The Center has approximately 20 acres of on-station pecans for research purposes. Additionally, there are approximately 12,500 acres of commercial pecans in production in Comanche County that may be cooperatively utilized for research and outreach purposes. The Stephenville Center has more than 700 acres of farm space capable of accommodating grape and fruits for research purposes as well as 12 commercial vineyards within 40 miles of the Center. Stephenville, Texas is home to Tarleton State University, which is a member of the Texas A&M University System and will provide unique opportunities for cooperative research and access to students.

Administrative Relationships: The incumbent will be a faculty member in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, supervised jointly by the Associate Department Head for Extension Entomology, the Entomology Department Head, and the Director of the AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Stephenville. The Extension Entomologist will be a member of the faculty at the Stephenville Research and Extension Center and will work with faculty, staff, and administrative staff at the Center.

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.

Closing Date for Applications. Review of applications will begin November 30, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

Application Instructions: 

• A cover letter expressing their interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A statement of the applicant’s vision for Extension and applied research related to arthropod pest management in Texas pecans, viticulture, and fruit crops;
• A resume or curriculum vitae; and
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Selected candidates will be required to provide official academic transcripts upon request.

External candidates should apply through the Texas A&M Extension Service External Applicants web portal for position R-066317.

Internal candidates should apply through WorkDay for position R-066317.

Questions:

• Contact Peggy Lundstrom (lundstrom@ag.tamu.edu) for additional application instructions.
• Contact Dr. David Kerns at kerns@ag.tamu.edu more information about the position.
• Visit http://entomology.tamu.edu for additional information about the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University.
• Visit https://stephenville.tamu.edu/ for additional information about the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville.
• Visit https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/ for additional information about the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
• Visit https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/ for more information about Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

  Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

A Ph.D. or soon will be completing a Ph.D. in entomology or a closely related discipline.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent managerial skills.