Date of posting here March 31, 2010 Type of position This is a full-time, benefit eligible position funded by a grant that is currently renewed on a five year basis. It is a non-tenure track position. Employer University of Missouri Location Columbia, Missouri Salary Commensurate with experience Closing date of competition June 1, 2010 and applications will be accepted until a qualified candidate is identified Date position available Immediately Description of duties Duties and Responsibilities: Manage the day-to-day operations of the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Receive plant disease, weed and insect samples for identification and consult with appropriate specialists as needed. Handle phone inquires and walk-in requests for diagnostic assistance. Collaborate with State Extension Specialists to diagnose plant health problems and prepare written responses describing the diagnosis and the appropriate management recommendations. Participate in outreach activities associated with the diagnosis of plant health problems. Contribute articles or suggestions of timely topics to newsletter editors. Provide plant disease training assistance to the Master Gardener program, Pesticide Applicator Training and other programs as requested by extension colleagues. Work with fiscal staff regarding fees and billing for plant diagnostic services. Manage the clinic budget. Manage student assistants and other temporary help. Manage the database for plant disease, insect identification and weed identification, and interface with counterparts in the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. Inform appropriate campus-based extension faculty of unusually high incidences or uncommon occurrences of plant health problems. Compile yearly reports that summarize clinic submissions and diagnoses. Distribute reports to appropriate campus-based extension faculty in the Division of Plant Sciences. Update and maintain the Plant Diagnostic Clinic website. Represent the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the annual meetings of the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network and the American Phytopathological Society. Qualifications sought Qualifications: The successful applicant will have a M.S. degree in a plant-related field such as Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Horticulture or Weed Science. Previous work experience in a plant diagnostic clinic or in field diagnosis of crop or landscape problems is desired. Knowledge of plant management practices and diagnostic problem solving is essential. The successful candidate should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. This individual will be expected to use technology in innovative ways to manage the diagnostic database and to provide plant health information. Application procedure   Submit what Interested persons should submit the following items: letter of application, including a brief statement of interests and/or ability in plant diagnostics current CV transcripts of academic work three letters of reference Submit to Application materials should be sent to: Plant Diagnostician, c/o Dr. Laura Sweets 108 Waters Hall, University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 884-7307, SweetsL@missouri.edu