The Extension Crops IPM Associate will conduct outreach activities for the Utah Extension IPM Program, based in Logan, UT. This includes seasonal, on-farm monitoring of pests, writing and disseminating pest alerts, newsletter articles, and publications/fact sheets, assisting with or hosting presentations, workshops, and grower meetings, developing and posting web content, managing social media, and overall, helping to elevate the Utah IPM Program. Other activities include responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, organizing and purchasing field supplies, and working collaboratively with the USU Plant Health team. The candidate for this fully-benefited position may work between 30–40 hours per week based on the IPM Program needs and with supervisor approval. Ongoing employment in this role is tied to continued funding support.
Applicant review begins April 20, and it will be open until filled.
Responsibilities
Communications: Maintain oral communications with both commercial and residential vegetable and field crop producers through site visits and by responding to email/phone inquiries in a timely manner. Respond to media outlets (radio, print, streaming, etc.) regarding pest information.
In-person Training: Collaborate with the Plant Health Team to assist in and/or organize presentations, workshops, webinars, grower meetings, demonstrations, and more. Evaluate all training activities with surveys.
Digital: Update the Plant Health and IPM websites and maintain the Team’s social media sites (Facebook and Instagram). Collect and catalogue images, create videos, and more. Compile and track web and social media analytics.
Field Work: The primary task is to conduct seasonal insect and disease monitoring on commercial farms, and the secondary task is to assist in research projects. Opportunity to apply for grant funding to conduct original projects. Maintain data and conduct simple statistics on field work. Field tasks may require heavy lifting. Vehicle will be provided.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in: horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, agriculture science, or related
Some knowledge of crop production and crop pests
Strong oral communication skills and good interpersonal skills
Technical writing and editing skills
Strong computer skills with ability to learn Adobe CS and web and social media content management
Strong desire to work help farmers and homeowners learn
Organized and able to work independently
Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials
Preferred Qualification:
M.S. degree in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, agriculture science, or related
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pa...c-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 12/2025
