Position Details
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.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Vegetable 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 vegetables while minimizing pesticide inputs. The program also develops real-time GIS-based predictive models of pest activity and seeks to maintain populations of beneficial insects, incorporate biological control tactics where practical, utilize reduced risk pesticides and employ resistance management strategies. The program works cooperatively with researchers in demonstrating new technologies and measuring the impact of reduced risk pest management practices.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Responsible for regular data collection (2 times per week per site), identifying pest and disease presence, identifying beneficial arthropods, completing IPM reports for participating growers, providing weekly summaries of insect catch data for supervisors, and collecting plant tissue samples when needed.
- May share duties on field research projects with entomology and plant pathology specialists.
- Assists in pre-planning seasonal field activities, therefore, starting on an earlier date.
- Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.
- Valid NJ Driver’s License.
- Use of personal vehicle is required.
- Competence in MS Excel and web-based Google software is helpful.
- Technicians should have coursework in environmental studies, agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology and plant pathology.
- During growing season technicians spend almost 100% of their time outside in field conditions.
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.