Job Description Summary

The IR-4 project is a USDA/NIFA-funded program that supports specialty crops growers with pest management by facilitating new product registrations with the EPA. This position serves as the Northeast Region Field Coordinator (RFC) and Field Research Director (FRD) for the IR-4 project. As the RFC, this position works closely with the Regional Director, the national IR-4 leadership, and local stakeholders to identify priorities for pest management problems across the region. The RFC works with industry partners, IR-4 leadership, and researchers across the northeast region to coordinate research trials in support of pest management solutions. As an FRD, this position is responsible for carrying out magnitude of residue trials in support of the IR- 4 Food Use Program. This includes conducting trials in field and greenhouse settings where pesticides are applied and tissue samples are collected, preserved, and shipped to analytical laboratories. This work requires strict adherence to protocols and meticulous data collection and quality control. This position is entirely grant-funded, and the successful candidate will be required to apply for funding on an annual basis, manage grant budgets through the duration of the award, and complete all necessary quarterly and annual reporting.

Responsibilities:
Northeast Region Field Coordinator duties: Identify needs of specialty crop growers in the region and synthesize this information for the IR-4 Food Use and Environmental Horticulture Workshops. Coordinate research for trials in the northeastern region, identify research centers that can carry out residue, performance, and plant safety trials. Review Standard Operating Procedures, data collection, and reporting for accuracy and compliance with EPA standards. Provide quality control audit of data before sending to quality assurance. Develop, retain, and grow a network of research and stakeholder collaborators across the region. Recruit and retain liaisons in each state to facilitate communication with local stakeholders. Document efforts across the region and provide reports on progress towards registration of new products for pest management in specialty crops. Travel will be required to support collaborating scientists across the Northeast and to attend national IR-4 meetings.

Field Research Director duties: Conduct field and greenhouse magnitude of residue trials that are prioritized by IR-4 Project Workshops. Maintain certification in Good Laboratory Practice under 40 CFR part 160. Maintain facility and equipment in compliance with standard operating procedures. Calibrate equipment and maintain records of performance. Coordinate with farm manager for placing research trials. Maintain Maryland public agency pesticide applicator license (Category 10 - Research and Demonstration). Compile data and reports to submit to IR-4 and EPA for product registration.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
• Experience managing grant funding.
• Experience designing and carrying out field research involving pesticide applications.
• Experience operating farm tractors and sprayer equipment.
• Knowledge of specialty crops grown in the Northeast Region.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
• Experience carrying out research trials under Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience coordinating research projects with collaborators across multiple states.

Physical Demands:
• Must be able to work outdoors under adverse environmental conditions (heat, cold).
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds and move across uneven terrain.

Licenses/ Certifications:
N/A

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-AES-LESREC-Veg Res Farm Salisbury

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$90,000 - $100,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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