Environmental Horticulture Ornamentals Program Manager

North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The IR-4 Project Environmental Horticulture Ornamentals Program Manager position will be tasked to coordinate research and pesticide (bio-based and chemical) registration activities on non-food, ornamental plant species within the IR-4 Project. Specifically, this position will direct the establishment of research priorities via a biennial stakeholder priority setting workshop, oversee the establishment of the annual research program including development of research protocols, and work with Regional Field Coordinators to identify research cooperators. The position will also interface with representatives from registrants, trade associations, and regulatory agencies, and critically review results of field trials to assess if there is adequate data to support regulatory actions and/or use recommendations. This position is aligned with the IR-4 Project mission to facilitate regulatory approval of sustainable pest management technology for specialty crops including ornamental crops and other environmental horticulture uses.

Responsibilities

• Develop a robust ornamental field research program that develops efficacy and/or phytotoxicity data to support the registration of pesticides.
• Manage the priority setting process and establish research priorities for the Environmental Horticulture Program.
• Routinely meet with representatives from the crop protection industry to involve appropriate company products in IR-4 research.
• Represent IR-4 at various regional, national, and international meetings and conferences regarding IR-4 Environmental Horticulture Program activities.
• Cooperate with the IR-4 Technology Team in the design and implementation of processes and systems to increase efficiency in the Environmental Horticulture Program.
• Provide accurate accountability information for grants and other reports to IR-4 Management.
• Travel for IR-4 meetings throughout the United States and international meetings.

Requirements

• PhD in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related area, with at least 5 years of post-graduate experience managing research or regulatory programs in the crop protection sciences.
• Considerable knowledge and/or experience with ornamental horticulture crops.
• Ability to maintain attention to details, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in both team and independent environments.
• Committed to excellence in customer service relations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to assist others when needed.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.

Nice-to-haves

• A PhD and minimum of five years of experience with Ornamental Horticulture crops.

Benefits

• Employee Value Proposition that promotes a supportive work environment.