Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement
Extension Associate Specialist and Plant Identification Diagnostician
Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772
Extension Associate Specialist and Plant Identification Diagnostician
Montana State University (MSU) seeks a knowledgeable and collaborative plant identification diagnostician to join the Schutter Diagnostic Lab (SDL), the MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, and the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences on the Bozeman campus. This full‑time, non‑tenure track faculty appointment offers an opportunity for promotion and a salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Contact Information Jane Mangold jane.mangold@montana.edu 406‑994‑5513
Responsibilities
Receive plant identification samples and herbicide injury samples; identify plant specimens; diagnose herbicide injury symptoms; prepare timely responses to clientele; maintain records and databases.
Respond to emails and phone inquiries about plant identification, herbicide symptomology, and weed management.
Interact frequently with members of the general public, MSU Extension field faculty, county weed district coordinators, state and federal agencies, pesticide applicators, and plant production industries in Montana.
Collaborate with the SDL team to determine diagnosis pathways, coordinate day‑to‑day business, and coordinate responsibilities with the Great Plains Diagnostic Network and National Plant Diagnostic Network; participate in periodic group meetings.
Perform public outreach, including presentations, webinars, and media appearances, and develop and maintain publications, websites, videos, and other training materials.
Write fact sheets, MSU Extension Ag and Urban Alerts, manuscripts, and grants as appropriate; contribute to SDL annual reporting and maintain relevant program websites.
Report and respond to regulated, noxious, or invasive plant species and concerns as they arise and follow confidentiality guidelines.
Maintain the SDL plant identification lab safety requirements and standard operating procedures required for lab accreditation.
Contribute to Extension field faculty training and other outreach activities hosted by the SDL, MSU Extension, and other agencies.
Conduct evaluations of extension and outreach activities.
Qualifications – Required
M.S. in weed science, plant sciences, botany, plant taxonomy, environmental sciences, or related fields.
Experience identifying plants with dichotomous and multi‑entry keys.
Ability to translate technical information into easily understandable materials using a variety of communication methods.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; ability to learn new programs.
Strong organizational skills and excellent technical writing and editing skills; strong oral communication skills.
Ability to work with various stakeholders and audiences within and outside the department and MSU Extension.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. degree or significant relevant work experience in plant identification and taxonomy, weed science, or related field.
Experience researching and formulating weed management recommendations.
Familiarity with integrated pest management.
Experience coordinating workshops or similar group activities.
Experience writing fact sheets or other outreach publications.
Strong desire to be a part of MSU Extension.
The Successful Candidate Will
Be an energetic and enthusiastic team member.
Possess strong knowledge in plant identification, taxonomy, and weed science.
Have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Work independently and collaboratively with co‑workers, on‑campus and off‑campus constituents, and multiple stakeholder groups.
Display exceptional organizational skills.
Be a critical thinker capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Maintain a high degree of accuracy in project management.
Special Requirements / Additional Information
This position requires seasonal travel to on‑ and off‑campus sites, which may require evenings and weekends.
Must possess a valid Montana pesticide applicator license or obtain one within 3 months of hire.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. If a candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, they must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
Optional Documents
Resume
Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Information Jane Mangold jane.mangold@montana.edu 406‑994‑5513
Responsibilities
Receive plant identification samples and herbicide injury samples; identify plant specimens; diagnose herbicide injury symptoms; prepare timely responses to clientele; maintain records and databases.
Respond to emails and phone inquiries about plant identification, herbicide symptomology, and weed management.
Interact frequently with members of the general public, MSU Extension field faculty, county weed district coordinators, state and federal agencies, pesticide applicators, and plant production industries in Montana.
Collaborate with the SDL team to determine diagnosis pathways, coordinate day‑to‑day business, and coordinate responsibilities with the Great Plains Diagnostic Network and National Plant Diagnostic Network; participate in periodic group meetings.
Perform public outreach, including presentations, webinars, and media appearances, and develop and maintain publications, websites, videos, and other training materials.
Write fact sheets, MSU Extension Ag and Urban Alerts, manuscripts, and grants as appropriate; contribute to SDL annual reporting and maintain relevant program websites.
Report and respond to regulated, noxious, or invasive plant species and concerns as they arise and follow confidentiality guidelines.
Maintain the SDL plant identification lab safety requirements and standard operating procedures required for lab accreditation.
Contribute to Extension field faculty training and other outreach activities hosted by the SDL, MSU Extension, and other agencies.
Conduct evaluations of extension and outreach activities.
Qualifications – Required
M.S. in weed science, plant sciences, botany, plant taxonomy, environmental sciences, or related fields.
Experience identifying plants with dichotomous and multi‑entry keys.
Ability to translate technical information into easily understandable materials using a variety of communication methods.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; ability to learn new programs.
Strong organizational skills and excellent technical writing and editing skills; strong oral communication skills.
Ability to work with various stakeholders and audiences within and outside the department and MSU Extension.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. degree or significant relevant work experience in plant identification and taxonomy, weed science, or related field.
Experience researching and formulating weed management recommendations.
Familiarity with integrated pest management.
Experience coordinating workshops or similar group activities.
Experience writing fact sheets or other outreach publications.
Strong desire to be a part of MSU Extension.
The Successful Candidate Will
Be an energetic and enthusiastic team member.
Possess strong knowledge in plant identification, taxonomy, and weed science.
Have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Work independently and collaboratively with co‑workers, on‑campus and off‑campus constituents, and multiple stakeholder groups.
Display exceptional organizational skills.
Be a critical thinker capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Maintain a high degree of accuracy in project management.
Special Requirements / Additional Information
This position requires seasonal travel to on‑ and off‑campus sites, which may require evenings and weekends.
Must possess a valid Montana pesticide applicator license or obtain one within 3 months of hire.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. If a candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, they must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
Optional Documents
Resume
Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications
#J-18808-Ljbffr