Program Associate I (Fruit IPM)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 57,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Program Associate I (Fruit IPM) to lead integrated pest management efforts for fruit growers. This role involves collaboration with county faculty, training staff, and making pest management recommendations. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences and have relevant experience in pest management and agriculture.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related work experience in agriculture, horticulture, or pest management.
• Requires a valid NJDEP Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and support in integrated pest management program needs.
• Takes responsibility for hiring, training, and supervising students.
• Collaborates with researchers on on-farm research projects.

Skills

Integrated Pest Management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural or biological sciences

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

• Under the 'Personal Statement' option, applicants may upload one describing their understanding of IPM and Cooperative Extension.

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Job Category

Job Category URA-AFT Administrative

Department

Department Agric & Natural Resources

Overview

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES ) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H Agents, Extension Specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Program Associate I (Fruit IPM ) for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position reports to the Fruit IPM Agent in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension ( RCE ).

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Provides leadership and support, in collaboration with the Fruit IPM Agent, other county faculty and specialists, in identifying and conducting integrated pest management ( IPM ) program needs, coordination and general program support for commercial tree fruit, grape and other fruit growers.
• Takes major responsibility for hiring, training and supervising students and other hourly employees.
• Collaboratively leads grower education efforts relating to program recommendations and interpreting IPM data.
• Evaluates pest, pesticide use and program impacts.
• Collaborates with researchers on integrating on-farm research and demonstration projects with industry practices.
• Works with county faculty in developing fertility practices and other ‘non-pest’ program components.
• Actively participates in appropriate departmental, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University and County administrative functions, as requested.
• Responsible for making pest management recommendations to growers, and making diagnostic field visits, often on a last minute and ‘on demand’ basis, which often matches the demands of weather, pest development, and other biological conditions, as well as any developing market factors.
• Prepares and coordinates IPM information for newsletter publication may be prepared on weekends for the publication of articles early the following week.
• Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in agricultural or biological sciences such as plant science, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and /or experience
• Minimum of two years of related work experience in agriculture, horticulture, pest management, or related experience.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license.
• Completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving course will be required.
• A valid NJDEP Commercial Pesticide Applicators License for Categories 1A and/or 10, or the application of said license shortly after employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of integrated pest management practices and their relationship to commercial agriculture.
• Understanding of extension program development, program outreach, and probable issues commercial farmers face.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with monitoring fruit pests and pest management is preferred.
• Experience working for Cooperative Extension.
• Experience with commercial agriculture is desired.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills.
• Effective public speaking, presentation and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.
• Supervisory experience is also desired.
• Position requires extensive sampling of insect and disease pests in field conditions, using various sampling methods, use of insect traps, some on-farm ATV use, and extensive driving to and from farm sites.
• Computer literacy in spreadsheet, database, descriptive statistics and other relevant software, including the use of digital cameras and other digital instruments for recording data.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Is expected to work outdoors, walk over rough ground, lift and handle 40 lb. objects.
• Must have flexibility and ability to work daytime, evenings and weekends as needed.

Special Conditions

• The training of seasonal employees, may also be partly determined by unplanned biological, weather, and market factors; thus necessitating weekend and evening work hours, and will also include the preparation and attendance at evening meetings.

Posting Number

Posting Number 25ST0987

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 05/12/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Under the ‘Personal Statement’ option, applicants may upload one describing their understanding of IPM and Cooperative Extension.

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

Home Location Campus Off Campus

City

City Bridgeton

State

State NJ

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Program Associate I (Fruit IPM) Job Category URA-AFT Administrative Department Agric & Natural Resources Overview The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES ) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H Agents, Extension Specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Program Associate I (Fruit IPM ) for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position reports to the Fruit IPM Agent in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension ( RCE ).

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Provides leadership and support, in collaboration with the Fruit IPM Agent, other county faculty and specialists, in identifying and conducting integrated pest management ( IPM ) program needs, coordination and general program support for commercial tree fruit, grape and other fruit growers.
• Takes major responsibility for hiring, training and supervising students and other hourly employees.
• Collaboratively leads grower education efforts relating to program recommendations and interpreting IPM data.
• Evaluates pest, pesticide use and program impacts.
• Collaborates with researchers on integrating on-farm research and demonstration projects with industry practices.
• Works with county faculty in developing fertility practices and other ‘non-pest’ program components.
• Actively participates in appropriate departmental, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University and County administrative functions, as requested.
• Responsible for making pest management recommendations to growers, and making diagnostic field visits, often on a last minute and ‘on demand’ basis, which often matches the demands of weather, pest development, and other biological conditions, as well as any developing market factors.
• Prepares and coordinates IPM information for newsletter publication may be prepared on weekends for the publication of articles early the following week.

Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement FLSA Exempt Grade 04 Position Salary $57,356 to $63,665 Annual Minimum Salary 57356.00 Annual Mid Range Salary 71372.00 Annual Maximum Salary 85388.00 Standard Hours 37.50 Union Description URA-AFT Administrative Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABP Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in agricultural or biological sciences such as plant science, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and /or experience
• Minimum of two years of related work experience in agriculture, horticulture, pest management, or related experience.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license.
• Completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving course will be required.
• A valid NJDEP Commercial Pesticide Applicators License for Categories 1A and/or 10, or the application of said license shortly after employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of integrated pest management practices and their relationship to commercial agriculture.
• Understanding of extension program development, program outreach, and probable issues commercial farmers face.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with monitoring fruit pests and pest management is preferred.
• Experience working for Cooperative Extension.
• Experience with commercial agriculture is desired.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills.
• Effective public speaking, presentation and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.
• Supervisory experience is also desired.

Equipment Utilized

• Position requires extensive sampling of insect and disease pests in field conditions, using various sampling methods, use of insect traps, some on-farm ATV use, and extensive driving to and from farm sites.
• Computer literacy in spreadsheet, database, descriptive statistics and other relevant software, including the use of digital cameras and other digital instruments for recording data.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Is expected to work outdoors, walk over rough ground, lift and handle 40 lb. objects.
• Must have flexibility and ability to work daytime, evenings and weekends as needed.

Special Conditions

• The training of seasonal employees, may also be partly determined by unplanned biological, weather, and market factors; thus necessitating weekend and evening work hours, and will also include the preparation and attendance at evening meetings.

Posting Details Posting Number 25ST0987 Posting Open Date 05/12/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants

• Under the ‘Personal Statement’ option, applicants may upload one describing their understanding of IPM and Cooperative Extension.

Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Off Campus City Bridgeton 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 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.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in agricultural or biological sciences such as plant science, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, environmental science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and /or experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a minimum of two years of related work experience in agriculture, horticulture, pest management, or related experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

Resume/CV

Cover Letter/Letter of Application

List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

Personal Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-4444 or e-mail us .

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

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