Extension Educator - Integrated Pest Management Educator

Michigan State University Extension; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Career Placement seeks a statewide IPM educator to lead educational programming for cherry, apple, and related fruit industries. You will design, implement, and evaluate research-based IPM initiatives and training for growers in northwest Michigan and beyond, with emphasis on sustainable, evidence-based pest management practices.

The role requires a Master’s in a related field, ability to collaborate with researchers and stakeholders, and the capacity to deliver in-person and multimedia outreach

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or crop science; knowledge of IPM.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate research-based IPM and outreach programs for tree fruit growers.
• Lead statewide and local educational programming and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Translate research into practical guidance for growers to improve sustainability of fruit industries.

Skills

IPM leadership

Entomology

Plant pathology

Horticulture

Crop science

Education programming

Outreach

Education

Master's degree in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture or crop science

Job description

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in tree fruit.

You will identify, design, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to the needs of the cherry (tart and sweet), apple, and related fruit industries. Through your leadership, you will provide support to tree fruit growers in northwest Michigan to improve the sustainability of their industries. This can include but not limited to monitoring pests and conducting Integrated Crop Management training sessions to encourage adoption of new technologies and techniques in horticulture and pest management. You will focus on IPM efforts but also be expected to fully understand and take a holistic approach to tree fruit systems.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with stakeholders and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that improve the viability of the tree fruit industries.

This position will work from the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center in Leelanau County, Michigan.

MSU Extension is a forward-facing, community-based organization that supports a flexible work environment for its diverse and talented workforce. Being present in communities is at the core of the organization’s mission. The level of flexibility within positions is driven by the needs, responsibilities, opportunities, and location of the position. There is an expectation employees work from an assigned MSU work site as a primary office location. However, there may be an opportunity to utilize MSU Extension’s flexible work environment.

Application Deadline: December 13, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or crop science, with knowledge of integrated pest management principles, or related field must be earned by date of hire.