JVA #24-006 Entomologist

About this Position

The position is located in the NMC Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES), under the supervision of the Dean of CREES and/or her designee. The position is approximately 70% agricultural research, and 30% agricultural extension. This position is charged with the responsibility of assisting CREES in fulfilling its mission by following performance duties and responsibilities articulated in the following section.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution in Entomology or a closely related discipline with Four (4) years of field and diagnostic experience;
• Experience with Agriculture/Entomology
• Specific experience in the field application of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’s), coordinating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and the use of biological control methods;

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Doctorate Degree from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution in Entomology or a closely related field discipline with two (2) years of field and diagnostic experience.
• Experience with Agriculture/Entomology
• Specific experience in the field application of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP’s), coordinating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, and the use of biological control methods;
• Experience in Tropical Agriculture
• Experience supervising personnel

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have experience in Program Review and Outcomes Assessment.
• Must have strong computer background including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, and database, preferably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, and other college stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks while maintaining composure under stressful conditions.
• Completes and prioritize tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Takes initiative and works both independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to present information in clear and professional manner.
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration and transparency; and
• Evidence of effective collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Evidence of positive team interactions;
• Ability to adapt successfully and communicate effectively in a multi-cultural/multi-ethnic community;
• A scholarly record of research publications
• Ability to communicate effectively in English using oral, written and electronic methods;
• Experience and/or willingness to write, prepare and manage competitive grants to support extension and research activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates in Program Review and Outcome Assessment (PROA) activities.
• Works as a team member to: 1) Identify, diagnose, and make recommendations to remedy entomological problems, including invasive species, that are relevant to farmers and the agricultural industry in the CNMI, using appropriate field, nursery, and/or laboratory technology; 2) Write, prepare, and manage grant proposals for submission to funding agencies to further their research and extension endeavors; 3) Establish research and extension program priorities based on stakeholder input and needs assessments; 4) Develop and implement a 5-year Plan of Work based on USDA-NIFA National goals and stakeholder input; 5) Develop a strong extramurally funded research program that leads to publishing research in peer reviewed journals
• Participates in the CREES Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program; works collaboratively with other IPM program personnel to plan the IPM extension program, prepare grant proposals; and manage ongoing IPM activities and projects.
• Documents, identifies, and holds in permanent collection the existing reference insect collection together with new findings and possible natural or introduced bio-controls.
• Establishes and develops collaborative linkages with the public, other agriculture professionals, nongovernmental organizations, colleges, universities, and sister governmental agencies addressing plant disease/disorder concerns on a local, regional, and/or national level.
• Provides technical advice to farmers and other organizations including without limitation: 1) Identifying insect pests; 2) suggesting appropriate pest management; 3) providing advice on farming methods that would help prevent unnecessary occurrences on farmlands; 4) publishing information and research results in periodic reports to our clientele and in refereed professional journals; 5) Preventing the establishment of invasive species
• Collects, records and analyzes data that will be disseminated to stakeholders by using an array of techniques (i.e. videos, field demonstrations, group discussions, workshops, newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters, calendars, television and radio programs, social media etc.)
• Conducts workshops, training, and certification programs relevant to the needs of the community and farmers.
• Trains and supports the professional growth of team members.
• Provides effective phone etiquette and customer service skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The scientist is expected to develop a work plan, which may involve a concerted effort from other government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and extension and research personnel in addition to overseeing program personnel. As a result of his/her professional competencies, at times this individual will be charged with coordinating events, acquiring funding, evaluating established project outcome measures and supervising personnel. The scientist will assist and support the CREES Dean and/or his/her designee in planning and executing projects of interest to CNMI stakeholders.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 20 Ibs.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary. The employee may be tasked to work outdoors in the sun and heat, on or around wet surfaces, and other areas exposed to the elements.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.