Job Description

Job Description:
This full-time position is responsible for creating training material and supporting the programmatic mission of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office (PIO). The PIO is responsible for training materials and programs for licensed users of pesticides. The overall mission of the PIO is to enhance pesticide safety education and training across the state of Florida. This position will work independently and in collaboration with county extension faculty, statewide specialists, pesticide applicators, other state pesticide safety programs, and other personnel at the PIO. This position will have the opportunity to learn about the diverse users of pesticides in Florida, including agriculture, urban pest control, natural resource management and beyond. This position will help to create educational materials, in-service trainings, public communications, and other educational programs for the PIO related to pesticide safety, compliance, and regulations. These materials will be used in Florida and have the capacity to be used in collaboration with others states extension programs.

We are looking for a person interested in gaining a diverse experience in pesticide training and education including, but not limited to:

Asynchronous course development and enhancement
Blog writing
Technical written communication
Live presentation development
Survey techniques and analysis
Training manual and exam development
Job responsibilities include:

Planning and collaboration with the Director of the PIO
Communication and development of training programs with county faculty and state wide specialists
Regular collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Delivery of training events across the state
Publications in EDIS, trade journals, and other informal avenues
Creation of online and print training materials
Coordination with the Director of the PIO to assist in programs that collaborate with other states for pesticide safety issues
Providing regular reports/updates for Directors role with the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Written communication and training materials. This includes regular submission of blog material for the PIO blog. Regular EDIS publications related to pesticide safety and compliance. Trade journal publications related to FDACS and EPA regulations, requirements, and general pesticide safety tips. Editing and contribution to training manuals and certification exams. Reports to be used for national committees and cross state collaboration.

Public speaking and online training engagements. This will require attendance at various extension training events, field days, and other stakeholder events to deliver material related to pesticide safety and compliance. Accompanying the Director during national meetings and coordinating with the Pesticide Dialogue committee for cross state programing. This will include creating original powerpoint and other training materials as well as delivering already prepared presentations and materials.

Online training materials. This will include managing already established asynchronous training materials and vetting submitted courses for hosting on the PIO training website. Additionally, this position would include creating brand new courses and materials for courses to enhance interactivity and stakeholder engagement with the material. Entire courses might need to be created in collaboration with the director of the PIO and the team at Faculty Instructional Resources and Support Team (FIRST).

Collaboration with the advisory board and other duties as assigned. A leadership team of county faculty will serve as an advisory board for the PIO. This position would include working directly with this team to facilitate statewide training materials, feedback to the PIO, and better tracking and reporting of the efforts of the PIO. Additional duties may include travel to professional meetings and other needs as they arise.

Expected Salary:
$60,000 - $80,000, commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in a related field, including but not limited to – ag communication, agricultural sciences, entomology, agricultural education.

The following are some degree areas of interest: Biology, Agricultural Communication, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, and other related fields

Candidate should be able to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments independently and work as part of a team toward organizational objectives.
Candidate should have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Candidates may not have deep pesticide knowledge, but a willingness and desire to learn.
Creative communication skills and an ability to learn new software programs is a plus.
Prior educational experience is a plus.
Candidates will interact with stakeholders via email, phone, and in person.