UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Lead and Education Specialist (Community Education Speci Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 64454)

Description

Job Description

Guided by the Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator and closely collaborating with UC Office of the President, Risk Services and the UC the Systemwide Pesticide Oversight Committee (SPOC), this role is pivotal in driving the UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy's successful implementation. Key responsibilities encompass the creation, refinement, and delivery of tailored training modules on IPM to ensure UC locations are compliant and informed. Further, the role coordinates various UC stakeholders, ensuring that policy interpretations and transitions are effective and resonate with the broader community's goals.

Under the direction of the Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator and in close collaboration with the UC Office of the President, Office of Risk Services, provide technical support in implementation of the recommendations of the UC Herbicide Taskforce. This position provides guidance and consultation to the Systemwide Pesticide Oversight Committee (SPOC) related to pesticide applicator training materials and standards. The primary duties include the development of training materials, identification of knowledge expectations and educational content, development of instructional delivery length, format, and language standards, and delivery of instructional training. This position provides consultation and guidance to UC campuses and locations on development and implementation of local integrated pest management plans. This position provides guidance to Office of Risk Services in the development of a Pesticide Use Authorization software. This includes consultation on California pesticide use permitting and reporting requirements.

Beyond these technical aspects, this position champions the production and revision of diverse IPM educational materials, catering to different learning modalities, from online modules to in-person workshops. This role acts as a consistent node of support and guidance to UC locations, assisting them in the strategic adoption and application of local IPM practice. As an integral part of the Statewide IPM Program, the position is also tasked with promoting a culture of continuous learning and engagement in pest management practices and safety.

This position is a contract appointment that is 100% fixed and is scheduled to end on 3/31/2026 with the possibility of extension if funding permits.

The home department for this position is the Statewide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. While this position normally is based at 2801 Second Street Davis, CA 95618, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements, for applicants living in the State of California, at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University. 

Pay Scale: $49,800/year to $67,000/year

Job Posting Close Date: 
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 03/06/2024.

Key Responsibilities:

60%

MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DELIVERY: 

• Provide training, strategic planning, and implementation guidance to UC locations to support effective rollout of the new UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy. Conduct needs assessments and develop recommendations, timelines, and milestones tailored to each location.

• Collaborate with diverse UC stakeholders to interpret policy requirements, develop local IPM plans, transition away from pesticide reliance, implement prevention strategies, and foster community engagement.

• Design and deliver customized training for UC staff on IPM practices, policy requirements, reduced pesticide strategies, and related topics.

• Provide expertise and guidance in the development of a centralized, systemwide Pesticide Use Authorization software platform to be utilized by all UC campuses and locations.

• Consult on integrating proper functionality to meet California pesticide use laws and regulations into the software, including capabilities for tracking pesticide applications and generating usage reports.

• Collaborate with software developers and UC stakeholders to help identify feature requirements and ensure appropriate workflows for requesting, reviewing, and approving pesticide applications are configured.

• Track UC-wide IPM Policy implementation progress. Identify needs, gaps, barriers, and improvement opportunities. Report key metrics annually.

• Evaluate training program effectiveness. Design assessments and analyze results. Identify improvements to reach diverse audiences.

35%

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION AND PLANNING:

 • Design and update educational materials on IPM practices, UC policy, pesticide safety, and reduced pesticide strategies in various formats, including online courses, presentations, videos, and hands-on activities. Support online IPM course development, working alongside UC teams for training initiatives and outreach.

• Deliver tailored training for UC staff on IPM practices and policies both in-person and online.

• Guide and support UC locations in strategic IPM policy implementation, including assessing needs, developing roadmaps, and ensuring timely compliance.

• Engage with diverse UC stakeholders to help interpret policy. 

• Engage with diverse UC stakeholders to develop IPM plans and implement effective pesticide reduction and prevention tactics.

• Assist UC locations in crafting and implementing local IPM plans.  Provide counsel to IPM Coordinators and Committees on local plan execution and urgent pest matters.

• Collaborate with the UC Office of Risk Services in creating a Pesticide Authorization system as per California regulations.

• Stay updated on the latest in IPM practices, safety guidelines, and relevant research through continuous learning and expert consultation.

• Organize and oversee workshops on pesticide-related topics, managing event logistics and promotions.

5%

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SUPPORT:

• Participates in and contributes to the bimonthly UC IPM staff meetings and annual UC IPM program meeting.

• Participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings and activities; make suggestions and provide the feedback necessary to ensure UC IPM is a fair and equitable program.

• Attend trainings and review literature to stay current on pest management practices, safety regulations, and new research.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Associate degree in an area related to training, instructional design, education, community and regional development, teaching and learning, adult education, communication, pest management, entomology, or agricultural education and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with a broad range of integrated pest management tactics including biological, cultural, physical, mechanical, and chemical controls.
• Skills in strategic planning, supporting organizational changes, and implementing programs effectively across a large, complex organization with diverse stakeholders.
• Thorough and effective skills in collaborative engagement, communication, relationship building, and influence without authority.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management principles, pesticides, and pesticide regulations in all states where University of California has campuses or facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of California and federal pesticide regulations, pesticides, and pesticide application methods.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management for landscape, playfield, and structural pests.
• Demonstrated teaching or training skills. Ability to learn and apply innovative teaching methods and online training delivery; ability to adapt to various educational levels of target audiences.
• Excellent analytical skills to research, review, and analyze existing outreach or educational materials and to assess need for and to develop new materials.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in writing about technical subjects for lay audiences for clear understanding at the various levels of target audiences.
• Excellent oral presentation skills and demonstrated experience giving presentations.
• Ability to set goals, identify priorities, adhere to deadlines, work independently and with others within approved guidelines, and accept and make use of feedback.
• Demonstrated experience in the planning, collaboration, and implementation of multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Skill to effectively use Macintosh or Windows computers and related peripherals (such as keyboards, pointing devices, printers, external drives, scanners), the Mac or Windows operating system, including file organization and manipulation, and file search.
• Skill to effectively use Mac OS-based applications, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); common Web browsers; file transfer programs; presentation software; photo manipulation software; calendaring and e-mail clients.
• Ability to think critically and creatively and use excellent judgment.
• Skills to convene meetings, organize agendas, and record, organize and synthesize notes.
• Ability to follow and apply UC policy and standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in an area related to training, instructional design, education, community and regional development, teaching and learning, adult education, communication, pest management, entomology, or agricultural education and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Possess a Pesticide Applicator or Pest Control Adviser license.
• Fluency in written and oral Spanish language.
• Experience with hands-on training methods.
• Experience carrying out surveys and using other tools to evaluate programs and analyze collected data.
• Solid project management skills including, planning work, managing details, keeping multiple tasks/projects on track, working with stakeholders, and navigating ambiguity to deliver results.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Driver's License (U08): Must maintain valid CA DL and clean DMV record to drive a County or University vehicle.  Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required.
• Reimbursement for job-related travel is available and according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Multiple-day trips may be required to carry out educational programs in other parts of California.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

UC ANR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

This position will promote, in all ways consistent with the other responsibilities of the position, accomplishment of the Affirmative Action goals established by the Division.  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Internal Candidates: Review the job posting and click the internal applicant link to apply. Use the same credentials used to login to UCPath to access the internal UC ANR job postings in order to apply.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.

External Candidates:  You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Review the job posting and click the external applicant link to apply. Click the 'Register Here' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.