Join WSU’s Tree Fruit Team.  Nationally, Washington ranks first in the production of apples, sweet cherries, and pears. The Washington tree fruit industry contributes more than $6 billion of annual impact to the state’s economy. The industry is committed to sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of water resources. Together with the State’s tree fruit industry, Washington State University strives to be the world leader in tree fruit research and education.

This position will provide stakeholder prioritized pear IPM tools to the nation's top pear industry. Washington state grows nearly one half of US pears with a crop valued at $145 million. A significant portion of Washington’s pear production occurs in the Wenatchee River valley a dense growing area with a majority of tree fruit acreage planted in pears. Pear psylla and spider mite management are the top priorities identified by area growers and industry members. This project builds on previous work by our team which identified a bio-based IPM approach where spray programs conserve natural enemies and control psylla to create a scouting network where pest and natural enemy populations can be used to inform spray decisions and implement an IPM approach.

This position will coordinate a project to expand a model Pear IPM Scouting Network. The incumbent will work with the project lead to train and mentor five scouts annually. Scouts working with the incumbent will scout 100 blocks (approximately 1,500 acres). Data gathered through the Scouting Network will be used to test economic thresholds based on psylla and natural enemy densities. Working with the scouts, psylla, mite and natural enemy populations will be measured for 26 weeks per year. Pest incidence, fruit quality and profitability will be compared.

The incumbent will conduct field trials including scouting, insect identification and data entry. The incumbent will supervise and train scouting staff. Project management will include collaboration with stakeholders, and grant management. The incumbent will lead evaluation and outreach of project efforts. Two years of funding currently available. Long-term funding planned.

Salary: $45-75,000 per year

Period: two years of funding with ability to renew

Location: WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, 1100 N. Western Ave. Wenatchee WA 98801

Benefits: health insurance, worker comp, annual leave, paid family medical leave, retirement

Duties

Laboratory and Field Research (60%)

• Scout pear orchards for insect pests and natural enemies 3 days per week.
• Hire and supervise 2 scouts annually.
• Coordinate, train and mentor scouts working with partner organizations.
• Conduct field experiments including collection of psylla, mite and natural enemy numbers, as well as fruit quality data. Data quality control.
• Train and supervise scouts in scouting, insect identification and data entry procedures.
• Provide daily scouting results to growers through PearScout mobile application.
• Provide weekly scouting summaries to regional orchardist network.
• Analyze results and summarize research results for grantors and publication.
• Ensuring quality control.

Project Management (20%)

• Organize planning meetings with consultants, growers and researchers involved in the project.
• Completion of travel and grant paperwork.
• Locate and purchase supplies.

Evaluation (5%)

• Conduct annual evaluation surveys to identify project impacts.

Outreach (10%)

• Communicate with growers and industry through phone calls, online database, email, and participation in local meetings.
• Work with Extension to organize, market, and evaluate educational events including field visits and intensive trainings under the mentorship of the project lead.

Other (5%)

Requirements Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific discipline and two years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related discipline may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required work experience. Have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver's licens