Program Associate I (Fruit IPM)

Davita Inc.; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 57,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in New Jersey seeks a Program Associate I to support integrated pest management programs for fruit growers. The role involves overseeing educational efforts, hiring staff, and conducting field evaluations. Ideal candidates have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience in agricultural sciences.

Benefits

Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Employee and dependent educational benefits

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two years of related work experience in agriculture, horticulture, or pest management.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and support in integrated pest management program.
• Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising students.
• Makes pest management recommendations and conducts field visits.

Skills

Integrated pest management

Fieldwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural or biological sciences

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

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.

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Recruitment/Posting Title	Program Associate I (Fruit IPM)
Job Category	URA-AFT Administrative
Department	Agric & Natural Resources
Overview
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.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	04
Salary Details	$57,356 to $63,665
Minimum Salary	57356.00
Mid Range Salary	71372.00
Maximum Salary	85388.00
Offer Information
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits Life insurance coverage Employee discounts programs For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours (per week)
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
Union Description	URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
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