Tree Improvement Specialist

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• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The PA American Chestnut Foundation in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a Tree Improvement Specialist. The Tree Improvement Specialist is responsible for furthering implementation of, success of, and exposure on American chestnut restoration research, as well as its impact on other threatened forest tree species.

This position is responsible for implementation and maintenance of research, education, and demonstration research field sites located at various Penn State campuses, other affiliated sites, and beyond. This position serves as a hub of information for partner growers participating in varied American chestnut restoration projects throughout the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

As part of a larger research project coordinated by various Penn State staff and faculty, private and public landowners assist in the planting and maintenance of research orchards across Pennsylvania. This position will:

• Provide support to these citizen scientists in the form of answering phone calls and e-mails regarding installation, management, and oversight of American chestnut research orchards. Coordinate with chestnut research group PI to ensure best management plans are provided and that this position has the most up-to-date information available to provide to those who request such information.

• Coordinate research activities within Penn State and between Penn State and external research organizations and perform outreach functions. When requested, lead tours of chestnut research facilities at Penn State.
  
  When requested, and as time permits, discuss Penn State research activities with groups such as Penn State Extension, Landowner Groups, Master Gardeners, etc. Under supervision of chestnut research group PI, ensure chestnut research materials, i.e. seed, scions, seedlings, etc., can be made available to research projects on which the group is a part.

• Collection and input of measurement data related to chestnut research activities on Penn State property and beyond. Under supervision of chestnut research group PI, work with students groups and interns to collect measurement data on chestnut research plots. Enter data into spreadsheets and/or on-line database (dentataBase), as is appropriate for data collected, and ensure planting records are kept up to date.

• Lead and/or assist with installation, management, and oversight of American chestnut research orchards on Penn State properties. With other American chestnut research group staff, coordinate use and maintenance Penn State University forestry greenhouse facilities and equipment used for chestnut research.
  
  Contact Penn State Agriculture Greenhouse manager to ensure large-scale fixes can be coordinated with Penn State operations. Prevent and/or mitigate damage by greenhouse insects and diseases. Plant chestnut research seed in greenhouse.
  
  Upkeep of inventory of plants in greenhouse. Maintain pesticide application records.

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of refunding.

Education and Experience:

Minimum requirements for this position, include a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$34,800.00 - $50,500.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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