Extension Assistant

Job Title

Extension Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Extension Plant Clinic & Education Assistant is responsible for conducting plant disease diagnostics and supports the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab (TPPDL-CS) Head Diagnostician in the general operations of the TPDDL-CS. This individual will also be responsible for maintaining and assist in the managing of the Texas FIRST DETECTOR education program.

Responsibilities:

40%: Support and assist TPDDL-CS Head Diagnostician in activities of the TPDDL-CS such as, but not limited to performing various diagnostic tests and providing support in data recording and management of plant samples; responsible for general care and maintenance of the laboratory and laboratory equipment.

40%: Maintain, manage and implement the Texas FIRST DETECTOR education program. Activities include, but not limited to, implementing and conducting Texas FIRST DETECTORs training programs, update and develop educational resources for this program, assess and evaluate the effectiveness of this educational program. Individual is expected to identify, recruit, train and support FIRST DETECTOR volunteers.

10%: Assist PLPM Program personnel to develop, produce and delivery education outreach materials and resources to stakeholders.

10%: Other job related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a clinical (diagnostic, biology or chemistry) lab is highly desirable.
• Experience with education outreach (teaching) of adults and/or youth.
• Diagnostic lab skills preferred include knowledge and proficiency in microscopy, genomic extractions, real-time PCR, conventional PCR.
• Preferred teaching skills with education outreach of adults and/or youth.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

CV/ Resume

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.