Extension Assistant

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
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Position Details

Req ID:

req19171

Position Title:

Extension Assistant - Insect Diagnostician

Position Type:

Staff Full-Time

Position Number:

BS9548

OSU Campus:

Stillwater

Department:

Entomology & Plant Pathology

Location Address:

127 Noble Research Ctr, Stillwater, OK 74078

Hiring Supervisor:

Jen Olson

Hiring Range:
(Contingent upon available funding):

18.20 - 24.79, Hourly

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm with one hour for lunch

Faculty Appt Period:

Job Summary:

About Us:The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology has 21 faculty with both undergraduate and graduate programs. The department operates the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic lab for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension system. For more information about the department, go to: Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University is seeking an Extension Associate for arthropod diagnostics (100% Extension). To identify all types of arthropods from structures, landscapes, nurseries, trees, orchards, etc. This position is directly associated with the Plant Disease Insect Diagnostic Laboratory (PDIDL), a service laboratory within the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The applicant will present educational programs to extension educators, Master Gardeners, plant professionals, pest control operators and other stakeholders about arthropods. Travel around the state of Oklahoma is expected and may extend outside normal business hours.There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our benefits and eligibility at

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's in Entomology, Agriculture, Biology, with 1-2 years lab experience working with arthropods.

Valid driver's license. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.

Expectations include: Ability to identify all types of insects from all sources (gardens, home, landscape, orchards, tree farms, nursery, etc.). Knowledge of pesticides and ability to provide recommendations of insecticides for pest management. Ability to multi-task and prioritize job responsibilities. Attention to detail, accuracy, and organization. Capable of reading all types of research articles, publications from other universities, and developing the content into useful handouts, factsheets or other resources. The ability to use molecular diagnostic methods (PCR, sequencing) as part of arthropod identification is preferred. Ability to prepare written diagnostic reports with diagnostic results and management recommendations. Ability to develop and present educational content including presentations, fact sheets and handouts about arthropods. Occasional field work may be required to collect arthropods or to assist with maintaining research plots. Ability to lift/carry 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in Entomology, Agriculture, Biology with 1 year lab experience working with arthropods

Expectations include: Ability to identify all types of insects from all sources (gardens, home, landscape, orchards, tree farms, nursery, etc.). Knowledge of pesticides and ability to provide recommendations of insecticides for pest management. Ability to multi-task and prioritize job responsibilities. Attention to detail, accuracy, and organization. Capable of reading all types of research articles, publications from other universities, and developing the content into useful handouts, factsheets or other resources. The ability to use molecular diagnostic methods (PCR, sequencing) as part of arthropod identification is preferred.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.

Date Posted: 20 February 2025
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