Extension Associate Specialist and Arthropod Diagnostician

About the Role

Montana State University (MSU) seeks an accomplished and collaborative arthropod diagnostician for the Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory (SDL), MSU Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, MSU Extension, and the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment as Associate Extension Specialist with an opportunity for promotion. The role involves the identification of arthropods from various locations and diagnosing arthropod-associated damage to plants.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive arthropod diagnostic samples and prepare timely responses.
• Visually identify arthropod samples.
• Maintain records and databases.
• Respond to emails and phone inquiries regarding arthropod identification and insect damage.
• Interact with the general public, MSU Extension field faculty, state and federal agencies, College of Agriculture faculty and staff, pesticide applicators, and various plant production industries in Montana.
• Work collaboratively with the SDL team to determine diagnostic workflow, coordinate daily business, and contribute to the Great Plains Diagnostic Network and National Plant Diagnostic Network.
• Collaborate with the MSU Extension IPM team and other entomology specialists.
• Participate in periodic group meetings.
• Perform public outreach, including delivering presentations, webinars, and media appearances.
• Develop and maintain publications, websites, videos, and other training/educational materials.
• Write fact sheets, MSU Extension Ag and Urban Alerts, manuscripts, and grants.
• Contribute to SDL annual reporting.
• Help maintain relevant program websites.
• Report or respond to regulated or invasive pests and urgent pest situations.
• Follow confidentiality guidelines.
• Maintain SDL insect diagnostic laboratory safety requirements and standard operating procedures.
• Contribute to Extension field faculty training and other outreach activities.
• Conduct evaluations of extension and outreach activities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• MS Word
• Excel
• Outlook
• PowerPoint
• Experience identifying arthropods with dichotomous and multi-entry keys.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn new programs.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent technical writing and editing skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Valid Montana pesticide applicator license (or obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and meet State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Entomology or related fields.
• Preferred: Ph.D. degree or significant relevant work experience in arthropod identification, taxonomy, entomology, or a related field.
• Preferred: Experience in researching and formulating arthropod management recommendations for agricultural production, ornamentals, turf, buildings/structures, food storage, nuisance, or related areas.
• Preferred: Familiarity with the principles of integrated pest management.
• Preferred: Experience coordinating workshops or similar group activities.
• Preferred: Experience writing fact sheets or other outreach publications.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have a strong desire to be part of MSU Extension.
• Possess broad knowledge of arthropod identification, taxonomy, and entomology.
• Demonstrate excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively with co-workers, campus and off-campus constituents, and multiple stakeholder groups.
• Exhibit strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Show a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Be an energetic, enthusiastic, and collaborative team player.
• Have demonstrated experience working with and engaging diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Be able to translate technical information into easily understandable materials using a variety of communication methods.
• Be relational, responsive, and reliable.

Additional Information

• This position requires seasonal travel to on- and off-campus sites, which may require evenings and weekends.
• Requires a valid Montana driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and meeting State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles.
• If holding an out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.