Faculty Specialist

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) is looking for a Northeast Region Field Coordinator to oversee the IR-4 project. The role involves working with specialty crop growers, conducting vital research trials, and ensuring compliance with EPA standards.

A Bachelor's degree in agronomy or related fields is required, along with experience in research and grant management. The position is based in Salisbury, MD, and offers a chance to contribute significantly to pest management in the agricultural community.

Qualifications

• Experience managing grant funding.
• Experience designing and carrying out field research involving pesticide applications.
• Knowledge of specialty crops grown in the Northeast.

Responsibilities

• Identify needs of specialty crop growers in the region.
• Conduct field and greenhouse magnitude-of-residue trials.
• Coordinate research trials and maintain compliance with EPA standards.

Skills

Pesticide applications research

Data collection and reporting

Grant management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, or related field

Tools

Farm tractors

Sprayer equipment

Job description

Job Description Summary

The IR‑4 project is a USDA/NIFA-funded program that supports specialty crop growers with pest management by facilitating new product registrations with the EPA. This position serves as the Northeast Region Field Coordinator (RFC) and Field Research Director (FRD) for the IR‑4 project. As the RFC, the individual works closely with the Regional Director, national IR‑4 leadership, and local stakeholders to identify priorities for pest management problems across the region and coordinates research trials in support of pest management solutions. As the FRD, the individual is responsible for carrying out magnitude‑of‑residue trials in field and greenhouse settings, ensuring strict adherence to protocols, meticulous data collection, quality control, and reporting to the IR‑4 and EPA.

Responsibilities

• Northeast Region Field Coordinator duties: Identify needs of specialty crop growers in the region and synthesize this information for the IR‑4 Food Use and Environmental Horticulture Workshops; coordinate research for trials in the northeastern region, identify research centers for residue, performance, and plant safety trials; review standard operating procedures, data collection, and reporting for accuracy and compliance with EPA standards; provide quality‑control audit of data before sending to QA; develop and grow a network of research and stakeholder collaborators across the region; recruit and retain liaisons in each state to facilitate communication with local stakeholders; document efforts across the region and provide reports on progress toward registration of new products for pest management in specialty crops; travel to support collaborating scientists across the Northeast and to attend national IR‑4 meetings.
• Field Research Director duties: Conduct field and greenhouse magnitude‑of‑residue trials prioritized by IR‑4 Project Workshops; maintain certification in Good Laboratory Practice under 40CFR part160; maintain facility and equipment in compliance with standard operating procedures; calibrate equipment and maintain performance records; coordinate with farm managers for placing research trials; maintain Maryland public agency pesticide applicator license (Category10 – Research and Demonstration); compile data and reports to submit to IR‑4 and EPA for product registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
• Experience managing grant funding.
• Experience designing and carrying out field research involving pesticide applications.
• Experience operating farm tractors and sprayer equipment.
• Knowledge of specialty crops grown in the Northeast Region.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or related field.
• Experience carrying out research trials under Good Laboratory Practice.
• Experience coordinating research projects with collaborators across multiple states.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work outdoors under adverse environmental conditions (heat, cold).
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds and move across uneven terrain.

Location

The position is located in Salisbury, MD.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.