Job Information
Washington State University Tree Fruit Extension Educator Tree Fruit Post Harvest Pathology and Physiology in Pullman, Washington
Tree Fruit Extension Educator Tree Fruit Post Harvest Pathology and Physiology
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
April 22, 2025
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s):
321-NNFACULTY - Associate in, 321-YNFACULTY - Associate in
Business Title:
Tree Fruit Extension Educator - Tree Fruit Post Harvest Pathology and Physiology
Employee Type:
Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
DESCRIPTION
Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit seeks an Extension Educator faculty to join the multi-disciplinary WSU Tree Fruit Team. This appointment is a 3-year renewable position at non-promotion faculty rank. Location negotiable between Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, Wenatchee,WA or Yakima County Extension Office, Yakima, WA.
THE OPPORTUNITY
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.
Washington State tree fruit growers committed to generating a $32 million endowment over an 8-year period. This endowment to Washington State University will support Endowed Research Chairs, Extension Information and Technology Transfer (ITT) Specialists, and research facilities and orchard operations. The ITT endowment was created to fund positions and activities that will advance world-class information and technology transfer to the Washington fruit industry, including development of state-of-the-art decision tools.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
This position will work as an integral member of the Tree Fruit Extension team and work closely with department-based plant pathologists and fruit physiologists to provide Extension of research-based information on the prevention of postharvest decays, associated canker pathogens, and post harvest physiology and quality of apples, pears and cherries. The incumbent will provide trainings, demonstrations, presentations, consultations, and create educational materials. Focus areas may include but not limited to: prevention of postharvest decays, associated canker pathogens, post harvest physiology and quality, defects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Communicate with industry stakeholders (e.g., growers, orchard managers, packers and shippers, other tree fruit industry representatives, and relevant professionals) in Washington to identify key priorities.
• Conduct initial and ongoing needs assessment with industry stakeholders and researchers to inform the program and integrate the outcomes into program planning, implementation, delivery, and outcome evaluation.
• Plan and elaborate trainings including workshops, field days, fruit schools, study circles and conferences to increase adoption of research based information.
• Teach research-based production practices through presentations, demonstrations and exercises.
• Consult with orchardists to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Create e