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Research: With guidance from the PI on goals and methods, independently, organizes, manages, and carries out field and laboratory experiments on that focus on effective, safe, and environmentally sound strategies for the management of insect and mite pests.
Coordinates and records all phases of experiment to ensure timely placement and successful executions of trials in the field, including citrus, vegetable, and sugar cane.
Identifies, classifies and studies insect populations data. Records, labels, and prepares samples for analysis according to protocol. Modifies existing protocol, as needed. Logs data and performs statistical analysis. Evaluate results, prepare graphs, tables, and publications, and presents research results in scientific meetings.
Directs and collaborates with farm crew in preparation and planting of field trials. Oversees the application of pest treatments. Ensures the maintenance of laboratory colonies of pest and/or beneficial insect species needed for biological and behavioral studies and documents their progress.
Coordinates all research activities with the Center administration and other programs at the center. Attends committee meetings (i.e. Land and Water) to discuss these issues.
Management and Supervision of laboratory and staff: Manages program greenhouse operations and rearing rooms and growth chambers (various) used to raise plants and insect colonies in a controlled environment. Supervises technical assistants assigned to laboratory. Sets schedules for all OPS, Students, and TEAMS employees in the SWFREC entomology program. Assigns tasks on a weekly basis, factoring in the needs of the lab and those of the Post-Doctoral Associates, and Students. Also responsible for annual evaluations of TEAMS and OPS employees with PI.
Oversees inventory control over chemicals used for spray trials. Orders supplies and equipment necessary to carry out field and laboratory programs. Driving will be required as incumbent must be able to pick up and deliver supplies and equipment to work sites.
Diagnosis: works with the PI, pathologists, and soil scientists in the field and laboratory to diagnose plant health problems and recommend solutions.
Assesses, prepares, processes, and identifies insects, nematodes, or their damage from specimens submitted to the Florida extension plant clinic at SWFREC.
Inspects and assesses crops suspected of attack from insects or nematodes on request.
Records diagnostic test results (for public record) and supervises the issuance of a pest diagnostic response (in writing and by electronic mail).
Supervises data entry for all plant pest samples received at the plant clinic and all data from the accompanying specimen data forms into a computerized database and hard copy clinic log, respectively.
Sets up and maintains collections of insects and nematodes affecting plants of economic importance in Southwest Florida.
Extension: Assists PI in the preparation of educational materials, the training of county extension agents and communications of research results, recommended procedures, and techniques of pest management and pesticide use to growers and the public. Creates presentation to growers and other interested clientele.
Manages preparation of field days, articles, leaflets, pamphlets, and other educational materials designed to inform professionals, growers, and the public.
Prepares slides and other visual aids to illustrate talks and training sessions and is prepared to present these if required or desirable. Presents this information in lieu of or in conjunction with the program leader.
Assists in the preparation of computer software for extension, training and diagnosis.
Manage the maintenance and repairs of irrigation, fertigation, chemigation, and chlorination systems in program-affiliated and experimental agriculture fields and greenhouses. Oversees of weed control program in citrus and vegetables and of GMO crops and coordinates activities with researchers and collaborators. Schedules repairs and service for program vehicles, golf carts, and gators’ which are assigned to the department
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