Extension Support Specialist, Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center – New York

Organization: Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center, Cornell University

Position Title: Extension Support Specialist

Location: Ithaca, New York

Hours and Compensation: This is a part-time (30 hours/week) nine-month appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Description: The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center administered by Cornell University fosters the development and adoption of integrated pest management, managing pests in ways that generate economic, environmental, and human health benefits. The Center works in partnership with stakeholders from agricultural, urban, and rural settings to identify and address regional priorities for research, education, and outreach.

Responsibilities: The Extension Support Specialist will assist with StopPests in Housing Program, based at the Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center, which strives to improve pest control in affordable housing by teaching everyone who works, lives, and plays in housing how to use integrated pest management (IPM). The Extension Support Specialist will engage, coach, and train participating affordable housing providers. Contribute to the goals of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension to strengthen communities and address housing conditions that threaten human health.

The Extension Support Specialist will contact designated housing providers as well as establish the status of their IPM program. Build relationships with fellow trainers, governmental agencies and Regional IPM centers. Collect and update records of contacts through the management system. Provide technical assistance as-needed to prepare for an on-site IPM training. Coordinate with co-trainers and local support agencies to set up on-site trainings. Arrange training logistics with the housing provider and meal logistics with the caterer. Travel to trainings and conduct on-site training with a co-trainer, using the already established Multifamily Housing Training. Collect feedback on the training and prepare it for analysis and reporting. Provide technical assistance to participating housing providers via email and conference calls. Assess the success of each housing providers’ IPM program. Contribute to a final report. Attend training and expansion of skills through participation in job-related courses, seminars and workshops. Exercise fiscal accountability.

Qualifications: Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree. More than three but less than five years of relevant experience in education, entomology, IPM, Cooperative Extension, or a closely related field.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job; possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Mastery of the concepts underlying adult education.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective leadership and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (PowerPoint, Word).
• Creativity, positive energy, motivation, and enthusiasm.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree. Board or Associate Certified Entomologist.
• Experience in customer relations and/or sales.
• Coursework in education, entomology, integrated pest management, communication.
• Five years relevant experience in current and emerging urban IPM practices.
• Appreciation of IPM as an effective management practice.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of Cornell Cooperative Extension

How to Apply: Apply online at Cornell University Division of Human Resources. (Job number 26167.)