Postdoctoral Entomologist Tree Fruit Integrated Pest Management

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

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The Opportunity:

Join WSUs Tree Fruit Extension Team. Nationally Washington ranks first in the production of apples sweet cherries and pears. The Washington tree fruit industry contributes more than $6 billion of annual impact to the states economy. The industry is committed to sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of water resources. Together with the States tree fruit industry Washington State University strives to be the world leader in tree fruit research and education.

This position will provide stakeholder prioritized pear Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools to the nations top pear industry. Washington state grows nearly one half of US pears with a crop valued at $145 million. A significant portion of Washingtons pear production occurs in the Wenatchee river valley a dense growing area with a majority of tree fruit acreage planted in pears. Pear psylla and spider mite management are the top priorities identified by area growers and industry members. This project builds on previous work by our team which identified a bio-based IPM approach where spray programs conserve natural enemies and control psylla to create a scouting network where pest and natural enemy populations can be used to inform spray decisions and implement an IPM approach.

This project will provide Extension coordination for two apple IPM including biocontrol and codling moth projects. Biocontrol work has the potential to impact Washington orchardists and consultants from 1600 apple operations on 100000 acres. Codling moth hotspots work will provide management information on a key pest of apple producers working with multiple entomologists.

This position will lead a project to expand a model Pear IPM scouting network. The project will refine a database and online mobile Ap which will allow scouts to upload information that will be available through the Ap to growers and consultants. During the pilot the incumbent will train and mentor five scouts annually. Said scouts working with the incumbent will scout 100 blocks (approximately 1500 acres). The incumbent will work with the Pear IPM team to create a model which can be scaled to cover the portion of pear acres actively transitioning to a selective IPM Program. Data gathered through the scouting network will be used to test economic thresholds based on psylla and natural enemy densities. Working with the scouts psylla mite and natural enemy populations will be measured for 26 weeks per year. Pest incidence fruit quality and profitability will be compared. Research results will be published in scientific journals and Extension publications. Extension to pear growers throughout the region will help improve profitability for growers and sustainability for the planet.

The incumbent will conduct field trials including scouting insect identification and data entry. The incumbent will supervise and train scouting staff. Project management will include collaboration with stakeholders and grant management. The incumbent will lead evaluation and outreach of project efforts.

Duties Performed:

Laboratory and Field Research (60%)

• Identify and define research problems.

• Design research approaches and methodology.

• Hire and supervise three scouts annually.

• Coordinate and train Pear IPM scouts working with partner organizations.

• Update and manage scouting application/ data distribution platform.

• Conduct field experiments including collection of psylla mite and natural enemy numbers as well as fruit quality data.

• Train and supervise scouts in scouting insect identification and data entry procedures.

• Data collection analysis reporting and publication.

• Statistical analysis of thresholds comparison of systems spray costs.

• Spray trials.

• Ensuring quality control.

• Grower interviews and case study elaboration.

• Insect management assessments of codling moth hotspots including spray coverage spray timing and surrounding hosts.

• Publication of research findings on testing thresholds and scouting network evaluation in scientific journals.

Project Management (20%)

• Organize planning meetings with consultants growers and researchers involved in the project.

• Completion of travel and grant paperwork.

• Locate and purchase supplies.

• Conduct annual evaluation surveys to identify project impacts.

• Organize meetings with consultant to design and refine scouting program mobile Ap.

• Grant reports.

Outreach (15%)

• Communicate with growers and industry through phone calls online database email and participation in local meetings.

• Work with Extension to organize market and evaluate educational events including field visits and intensive trainings under the mentorship of the project lead.

• Convene grower/consultant stakeholders annual to acquire feedback and refine objectives.

• Coordinate Pear Entomology Weekly digital newsletter.

• Coordinate study circle discussion groups for pear IPM and codling moth management.

• Co-develop educational case studies on codling moth hotspot management.

• Assist in development of educational materials on biocontrol with lacewing releases.

Other (5%)

Supervisory Lead Responsibilities:

Supervise hourly employees

Essential Work Competencies:

Knowledge skills and abilities

• Working knowledge of agricultural systems.

• Able to communicate clearly though both spoken and written communication.

• Experimental and analytical skills precision reliability understanding and knowledge of research theory.

• Basic field work skills necessary.

Mental Requirements

• Initiative: takes ownership does what is needed without being asked follows through on tasks and commitments.

• Efficiency and Organization: Plans ahead able to manage time and always thinking of better ways to do things.

• Coachable: Receptive to feedback and willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement.

• Critical thinking and problem solving.

• Ability to work as part of a team and work independently.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires significant outdoor work from March to September which will require significant walking squatting and carrying of light field equipment. Wenatchee is hot in the summer and the incumbent will have to work in all weather conditions.

• Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs for 3-5 hrs comfortably.

• The incumbent will drive to study locations in the vicinity which may be multiple hours in a day most days.

Annual Salary: $53000.00 - $72000.00 Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidates current experience education skills and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical dental life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in Entomology or closely related science field within the last five years

• Strong interest in applied research and outreach.

• Strong analytical and statistical skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as with an interdisciplinary team of researchers extension specialists and other project participants.

• Interest in apple pear integrated pest management and sustainability.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Must have or be able to obtain by time of hire a valid drivers license and meet requirements in accordance withSPPM 7.10and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of high-quality publications and presentations experience working with growers and agricultural industry and familiarity with tree fruit production pest management and ecology preferred.

About Department/College/Area/ Campus -

Area/College: College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center
Location: Wenatchee WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates upload all documents in the Application Document section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) before starting your Workday application please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates upload all documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 engages in law enforcement requires security clearance interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity has access to personal identifying and/or financial information unsupervised access to university buildings/property or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply including members of the military and veterans and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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