Extension Associate
(All About Blueberries Entomology Program)
(Anticipated)
(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position. Continuation will be dependent on funding, job performance, and continued need for the appointment.)
WORK LOCATION: Department of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Coordinating the development of content for a new website - All About Blueberries, that will be hosted by
http://www.extension.org. A team of experts will work together to develop content related to blueberry production, marketing, consumption, and nutritional value. Schedule and coordinate monthly conference calls that will be led by the Project Director (PD). Develop Frequently Asked Question postings, screen e-mails from our Community of Interest (website users) to make sure they are delivered to the appropriate expert, work with PD and supporting personnel in all participating states to develop databases for interactive mapping functions, distribute promotional materials to all states, plan and coordinate local arrangements for the annual in-person meeting of the Advisory Committee, develop original content as appropriate, edit materials developed by Experts, search for images that can be used to supplement materials, and develop and maintain complimentary a Facebook page and Twitter account. Conduct a monthly search of blueberry related extension content that is posted online and also search for research related publications that are posted online. Assemble these publications into a database for perusal by the Experts. As appropriate this content will be cross-linked into our CoP page, or extension type content will be developed as appropriate.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree or higher desired) in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, nutrition, sociology, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, weed science, communication, and/or human ecology, or closely related field. Computer literacy, familiarity with social networking tools (facebook, twitter, etc.) and imaging software (Adobe, Corel, etc.) is desired. Background in agronomy, horticulture, pest management, communication, or nutrition is desired. The ideal candidate will be organized, efficient, a good communicator (both written and verbal skills). Management experience is preferred. Photography and microscopy skills are desired. Some knowledge of HTML code and Wiki building is strongly desired.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 6, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is identified
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at
https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/ by attaching cover letter with resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to the contact listed below. For more information contact:
Natalie A. Hummel, Ph.D.
Department of Entomology
404 Life Sciences Building
Baton Rouge, La. 70803
Phone: 225-578-7386; Fax: 225-578-1643
Email:
nhummel@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site:
http://www.lsuagcenter.com 
