Career Center

Exempt: MR10

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN

Expected start date January 2024

The Herbert College of Agriculture is seeking an individual trained in entomology, vector biology, public health, or related field to join our nationally-recognized Medical and Veterinary Entomology Team as part of a new CDC funded Training and Evaluation Center (VectorED Network). The Specialist will work together in a team environment with the newly formed Vector Education Network with researchers at Penn State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh University, West Virginia University, and the University of Delaware. The individual will be responsible for actively working with the VectorED Network, including the project director, members of the VBD Team, and Other Extension educators to formulate learning objectives, develop educational events and materials to support these objectives, and participate in evaluations to measure the team's educational impact in the area of vector-borne disease. This position would be responsible for collaborating with State and Federal agencies, academic Institutions, and stakeholder groups involved in vector research and control and vector-borne disease. The position will work with professional and non-profit organizations and industries to develop awareness campaigns and messaging for vector-borne disease education primarily focused on veterinary professionals, public health professionals, pest management professionals, environmental health and safety teams, and college-level occupational health groups. Team members are expected to work closely with university-based research faculty in developing and conducting applied research that is relevant to clientele needs.

The Specialist identifies, develops, delivers, manages and evaluates a portfolio of educational programs or initiatives from conception to evaluation, which may have to meet requirements for professional accreditation; provides leadership, consultation, program coordination, technical assistance and related services in the field of education/training; functions as expert in an area of specialization, evaluates and prepares recommendations for ongoing and proposed programs; develops and maintains relationships with academic units, organizations, industry and agencies to determine programming needs; plans and/or coordinates marketing materials for educational programs and services; prepares and submits various reports; and develops, monitors and manages budgets.

The position will be located in Knoxville, TN, and will be part of a team that is expected to participate and deliver programs statewide. This position typically requires a Master's degree or higher plus two years of experience in vector biology, management, and control, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 2. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in mosquito or tick biology or control. Candidates must possess effective communication skills (verbal and written), teaching skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and clientele, supervision skills, and work as an active member of a team. The candidate must be very organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The successful candidate must possess skills for excellent teaching, program development, impact evaluation, and grant management. The candidate must demonstrate positive and effective communication skills necessary to engage with industry representatives, local and state government officials, faculty, students, and the general public.

This is a grant funded position subject to performance and continued funding.