Address
Form of workPosition Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Seasonal Agricultural Workers-Fruit IPM Program
Posting Number
24TM0044
Department
SEBS - RCE-Pest Management
Overview
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.
In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking Seasonal Agricultural Workers for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Under the guidance and direction of the Sr. Program Coordinator of the Fruit IPM program at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center off-Campus farm, these positions perform assistance to the IPM program with field and laboratory work.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program is an educational/service program for commercial agriculture in New Jersey. Driven by environmental monitoring and field scouting, and relying on up-to date research, the program strives to help growers produce high quality fruit while minimizing inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, and maximizing honey bee and pollinator health. The program seeks to optimize the use of reduced risk strategies, computerized phenology models of insects and diseases, mating disruption and other biological intensive management practices, and GIS technologies. The program works cooperatively with researchers, demonstrates new technologies and measures the impact of reduced risk IPM practices. The work is used to manage over $180 million of crop value, reduce the environmental impact of traditional agricultural systems, and minimize non-point source pollution.
Among the duties of this position are the following:
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program is an educational/service program for commercial agriculture in New Jersey. Driven by environmental monitoring and field scouting, and relying on up-to date research, the program strives to help growers produce high quality fruit while minimizing inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, and maximizing honey bee and pollinator health. The program seeks to optimize the use of reduced risk strategies, computerized phenology models of insects and diseases, mating disruption and other biological intensive management practices, and GIS technologies. The program works cooperatively with researchers, demonstrates new technologies and measures the impact of reduced risk IPM practices. The work is used to manage over $180 million of crop value, reduce the environmental impact of traditional agricultural systems, and minimize non-point source pollution.
Among the duties of this position are the following:
- Responsible for regular data collection (1- 2 times per week per site), identifying pest presence, identifying beneficial arthropods, completing IPM reports for participating growers, mapping pest presence, entering data into a database, the use of GPS receivers and GIS databases where appropriate, plant tissue and soil sampling, and monitoring honey bee colony health.
- Technicians may share duties on field research projects with entomology and plant pathology specialists.
- Field technicians will be working in commercial blueberry fields, vineyards, and orchards and/or with honeybees.
Position Status
Full Time
Hours Per Week
40 or less
Daily Work Shift
Day
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA
Nonexempt
Position Salary
$15.13-$22.00/hour
Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft
Terms of Appointment
Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.
Certifications/Licenses
- Valid NJ Driver’s License.
- Use of personal vehicle is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Competence in MS Excel and web-based Google software is helpful.
- Technicians should have coursework in environmental studies, agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology, and /or GIS databases.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- During the growing season technicians spend almost 100% of their time outside in field conditions.
Special Conditions
Posting Details
Posting Open Date
02/19/2024
Posting Close Date
08/19/2024
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees, Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
