Tree Fruit Extension Educator – Tree Fruit Horticulture – Technology

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-NN_FACULTY - Associate in, 321-YN_FACULTY - Associate in

Business Title:

Tree Fruit Extension Educator – Tree Fruit Horticulture – Technology

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. WSU office is negotiable with preference for WSU IAREC, Prosser, WA. Other locations include WSU Grant County Extension Office, Moses Lake, WA., WSU Yakima Extension Office, Union Gap, and WSU TFREC, Wenatchee, 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 tool

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

As a member of the WSU (Washington State University) Tree Fruit Extension Team, the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) program unit and the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources Sciences, the position will provide Extension and outreach for the tree fruit industry and allied industries.

The position is responsible for developing educational and applied research programs focused on the co-development, field evaluation, and integration of orchard technologies in commercial orchards. This includes but is not limited to identifying and engaging with technology developers, conducting field studies including the evaluation of orchard system and orchard operations compatibility with specific technologies, time/motion studies, fruit quality evaluations, and developing cost of production and return on investment economic scenarios related to technology use and adoption. The incumbent will work with apple, pear, and stone fruit producers and technology developers to evaluate and demonstrate new and horizon technologies and methods within their orchards. You will collaborate across work teams and institutions, including working with research and Extension faculty and specialists, subject matter centers (Center for Precision and Automated Agricultural Systems), and industry partners to achieve efficient, profitable, and sustainable tree fruit production.

A key expectation is the development of educational programs and outreach materials for various industry groups including producers, orchard employees, partner organizations and appropriate government agencies. In partnership with industry, the Tree Fruit Technology Roadmap and specifically harvest automation goals will be a guiding document for the Extension and applied research program. In the core of your responsibilities is the tree fruit producers and orchard employees, allied industry, and industry partners to deliver educational programs and resources on the selection, integration, and adoption of technologies in orchard operations.

Responsibilities

Summary of Duties: Develop Extension outreach and applied research programs that inform, educate, and demonstrate successful integration of existing and horizon technologies such as harvest automation, labor assist technologies and others as needed or appropriate in tree fruit orchard operations.

• 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.

• Collaborate with WSU research and Extension faculty and staff, tree fruit industry allies and organizations, including Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), grower-member organizations, partner and public entities. 

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships and promote positive public relations for WSU Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit (ANR), Center for Precision and Automated Agriculture Systems (CPAAS), among others.

• Contribute to Tree Fruit Team collaborative efforts, including participation in monthly meetings, contributions to the tree fruit web page, Fruit Matters Newsletter, coordinating and participating in educational events.

• Organize, deliver, and evaluate Extension programs: field days, events, workshops, etc.

• Educate stakeholders on key technology topics through presentations at local, regional, and national trainings. 

• Conduct applied field research and demonstrations. 

• Produce durable products; articles, newsletters, videos, media products of existing and developed research results and educational material in appropriate venues including University publications and websites, industry publications, and scientific journals

• Extend the reach of WSU Extension by integrating distance technology into program delivery through computer applications, decision support tools, web pages, on-line course development, electronic mailings, educational videos, multimedia and other emerging technologies.

• Document program impacts through quantitative evaluation and other means and prepare timely reports.

• Participate in local, state, regional, national, and international conferences, and Ag technology centric events as appropriate.

• Become knowledgeable about and promote WSU Extension programs.

• Engage in professional development to update and expand personal skillset and be willing to redirect efforts in response to changing industry needs.

• Understand and support efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a special emphasis on reaching diverse populations across all tree fruit sectors.

Job Expectations

• Evening and weekend work may be necessary.

• Work tasks will be performed in a combination of an office environment as well as orchards, packing houses and off-site locations. This may be indoors or outside in any weather condition. This may be indoors or outside in any weather condition.

• Reliable transportation for year-round travel is required. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related travel at the approved state rate if using a private vehicle. While using a private or WSU motor pool vehicle for official business, have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090 ); and must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

• The candidate will understand and carry out the principles and specific requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affirmative Action Plan, and all pertinent rules and regulations.

• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Master's of Science degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to Ag Engineering, AG Tech, Horticulture and/or related to tree fruit production earned by date of hire.  

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and listening skills in relating to diverse audiences (e.g., producers, landowners, and managers, special interest groups, professional groups, and elected officials).

• Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural systems, and experience working with agriculture producers.

• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams with researchers and extension specialists.

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   Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10  and departmental driving standards. 

  
  

• Ability to acquire WA state pesticide applicators license.

• Ability to work independently to plan and accomplish goals.

• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs. and basic skills in equipment maintenance, equipment hauling, technical troubleshooting, operation of farm equipment such as tractors, ATV’s, forklifts etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A background in tree fruit production and/or applied agricultural engineering.

• Experience conducting field evaluations, demonstrations of horticultural practices, technologies, or solutions in perennial specialty crops. 

• Familiarity with equipment, hardware, and digital agricultural technologies. Basic skills in equipment maintenance, equipment hauling, technical troubleshooting, operation of farm equipment. 

• Demonstrated skills in developing educational content.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct needs assessments and integrate into program planning, implementation, delivery, and outcome evaluation.

• Ability to collaborate with diverse people, researchers, Extension colleagues, staff, and students. 

• Initiative-taking with demonstrated ability to work independently in the field, laboratory, or an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching. 

• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.

• Proficiency in the use of software technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance delivery/communication technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery. 

• Proven ability to establish and work with a diverse network of constituents and community members. 

• Bilingual (English / Spanish). 

Additional Information:

Annual Salary: $65,000-90,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. The successful candidate would need to already possess or be able to obtain their own U.S. Employment Authorization to be eligible for hire.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

Position Type: This is a three-year renewable position at non-promotion faculty rank, Associate In. Renewal is dependent on the need for Extension and industry priorities and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Funding has been renewed successfully for several years, and we expect funding to continue to be renewed.
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Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit
Location: WSU office is negotiable with preference for WSU IAREC, Prosser, WA. Other locations include WSU Grant County Extension Office, Moses Lake, WA., WSU Yakima Extension Office, Union Gap, and WSU TFREC, Wenatchee, WA.
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position,

2) Current Curriculum Vitae, and

3)Names and contact information for three professional references.

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Matthew Whiting, mdwhiting@wsu.edu .

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu .

Notice of Non-Discrimination

WSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates compliant with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator . More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement .