Salary: $48,000 - $51,000. Candidate has the option for additional annual salary (up to 0.15 FTE) via awarded grants. USU offers an excellent benefits package and retirement contribution.

To Apply: Click this link for job details. Click on “Apply for this job online” at the top right.

Apply by: March 30, 2023 (applicant review begins), and will remain open until filled

Questions: Contact Mair Murray at mair.murray@usu.edu

Utah State University seeks an accomplished and collaborative insect diagnostician and pest management specialist to join the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (UPPDL) and the faculty of the Department of Biology, USU Logan campus. The successful candidate will have a solid background in arthropod identification and pest management, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in Extension. The composition of the position is 95% Extension and 5% service.

This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment at the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor rank with opportunity for promotion. Review of applicants will begin in late March 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with a tentative start of June 1, 2023. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Annual reappointment of this position is contingent upon annual review and availability of funding. (This position has been continuously funded for many years and we anticipate this to continue in the future.) The successful candidate has the option to secure an additional 0.15 FTE salary from external funding such as grant awards.

This position will oversee all aspects of the UPPDL including managing budgets, lab operations, communication with state agencies, and all insect identification and interaction with clients (agriculture, green industry, commercial businesses, homeowners, and more). In addition to directing the UPPDL, the candidate will grow to be a leader in a pest management-related area as determined by a needs assessment. The candidate will develop and implement Extension programming, outreach, and evaluation, and achieve scholarship (such as published papers, professional presentations, grants, etc.) for promotion.

Responsibilities:

• Receive all diagnostic samples (including plant diseases); identify arthropod samples and prepare timely responses to Maintain records and databases. Respond to email and phone inquiries about arthropod identification.
• Interact frequently with members of the general public, state and federal agencies, Department of Biology faculty, pesticide applicators, and various plant production industries in Utah (landscape, nursery, agriculture).
• Hire and supervise a student diagnostician assistant where funds
• Maintain the UPPDL website and oversee quarterly delivery of Utah Pests News
• Maintain the UPPDL lab safety requirements and safety standard operating
• Manage the budget for the UPPDL and prepare annual
• Work collaboratively with members of the USU Extension pest management team and organize periodic group Lead in-service training (such as an annual workshop, monthly webinars) for county Extension faculty.
• Generate funding via grant-writing or other means for additional scholarly
• Develop and evaluate a successful Extension outreach program that shows positive impacts. This could be an expertise in advanced diagnostics (such as molecular) and/or a pest management topic that is not already covered by the current Extension pest management team, such as urban pests.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Master of Science degree in a biological science with completion of at least two graduate courses in entomology.
• Subject area expertise in management and identification of insect pests of one or more of the following: agricultural crops, ornamentals, turf, buildings/structures, food storage, nuisance, or
• Demonstration of strong oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with state agricultural leaders, industry professionals, and the general public about pests and pest management information.
• Evidence of excellent technical writing and editing
• Ability to work with a team, yet also exhibit self-motivation, organization, and
• Strong desire to be a part of USU
• Valid S. driver’s license and ability to travel overnight.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience with insect and plant-pest diagnostics in a client-based, clinical
• Knowledge of website editing, image editing, and computer software such as MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and database management.

Required Application Documents: Cover letter, Resume/CV, transcripts (unofficial), three professional references with contact information, one writing sample

About USU

Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small-town college tucked away in the northern Utah mountains to a thriving research university respected around the world. The USU Logan campus is just minutes from two mountain ranges and within a half-day's drive of six national parks, including Yellowstone and Arches.

USU Land Acknowledgment

Please visit our website to learn about Utah State’s land acknowledgment of the eight tribes of Utah.

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

• Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
• Title IX Coordinator Hilary Renshaw, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education 404, 435-797-1266
• Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
• For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
• S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
• S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov