Turf and IPM Specialist
The Turf and Integrated Pest Management Specialist is
responsible for providing leadership in the planning, implementing, delivery,
and evaluation of the applied research and extension educational programs the
Pest Management for Suffolk County Properties Program and Turf Fertilizer
Management Program. The Suffolk County County Code Chapter 380 (L.L. 34-1999)
mandated a phase-out of pesticides in County buildings and properties by 2003.
Suffolk County and Cornell Cooperative Extension have since assumed joint
leadership roles in developing and implementing structural and outdoor pest
management programs for Suffolk County-owned properties. The Program aids
Suffolk County in implementing integrated pest management strategies in
situations where pesticides have been reduced or eliminated, providing
diagnoses, training, public outreach, and research and demonstration projects
under Community Advisory Committee (CAC) guidance to further the goals of pesticide-free
buildings and land care practices on Suffolk County-owned properties and in the
County at large.
The Program also provides leadership for the implementing Suffolk County Local
Law 41-2007, addressing water quality through reduction of nitrogen fertilizers
in commercial landscape management. This comprehensive fertilizer educational
program includes educational training to landscape professionals and county
staff, written resources, and one-on-one consultations regarding use of
nitrogen fertilizers. The Specialist also serves as a resource for all
residential, commercial, and agricultural turf management. The target
stakeholders and areas of work include Suffolk County staff and properties –
golf courses, parks, landscapes, county facilities and buildings, highways, and
right-of-ways – as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural sod.
The Turf and Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for
administrative and programmatic supervision of staff, managing available
resources, and assuring accountability requirements are met. The Specialist
represents CCE-Suffolk and the Programs to the public, community leaders,
government officials, and Cornell University along with program and
coordination responsibilities. The Specialist serves under the overall
direction of the Agriculture Issue Leader, seeking input in non-routine
situations. The Turf and Pest Management Specialist will serve as a subject
matter expert to program committees, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and
clientele, coordinating work with other agencies and other groups on a local,
regional, and statewide basis.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s
degree in Turfgrass Management, Integrated Pest Management, Horticulture,
Entomology, Plant Pathology or related discipline relevant to the role of
the position.
- Experience
and ability to work independently, part of a team, and with staff,
cooperating agencies and County personnel.
- Ability
to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels with
external partners, program participants, employees, and others.
- Ability
to initiate, plan, teach, and evaluate informal and formal educational
programs.
- Must
exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the Program
and the Association.
- Ability
to work outdoors, and to perform physical tasks as required.
- Willing
to work with, in and around areas where pesticides are used regularly and
to work under varying climatic and other conditions common to farm, field
and other horticulture work environments (heat, cold, rain, noise and
dust)
- Willing
to work with structural, turf and landscape pests which can include
rodents, cockroaches, ants, stinging wasps, termites, flies, birds, poison
ivy, mosquitoes, ticks, etc., and to follow health and safety protocols
regarding personal protection.
- Proficiency
with computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and data entry,
information access and data analysis
- Willing
to obtain a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, if necessary.
- Ability
to meet travel requirements associated with this position, which includes
having a valid NYS driver’s license and personal vehicle for on-the-job
transportation, 3 years driving experience and pass a motor vehicle
screening.
- Ability
to meet acceptable background check standards.
- Ability
to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as
appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge
of practical weed, pest, and disease management in ornamental horticulture
and/or agriculture.
- Knowledge
of structural pests and management.
- Experience
in the field of turf management.
- Experience
with planning, teaching, and evaluating adult educational programs.
- Experience
with or knowledge of Cooperative Extension or similar educational fields,
and knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal
education system such as Cornell University Cooperative Extension
- Ability
to identify and secure funding that supports program work, including grant
writing, and developing public and private partnerships.
POSITION DETAILS:
Salary:
$60,000-65,000 Salary
Schedule: EXEMPT 40 hours per
week
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available
Last updated December 2, 2024
