Posting Number : F2589P
Working Title :
Pesticide Education and Safety Program Director / Public Service Assistant / Associate
Department : CAES-Entomology
About the University of Georgia :
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the states flagship university (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The Universitys main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The Universitys enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College / Unit / Department :
The Department of Entomology includes 38 faculty, 65 graduate
students, 25 undergraduate entomology majors, and 80 undergraduate applied biotechnology majors, with diverse interests from very applied to fundamental studies. We are a multi-campus environment with an excellent reputation in research, extension and teaching. The three campuses of the University of Georgia (Athens, Tifton and Griffin) are multi-disciplinary, multi-agency facilities with access to well-equipped research farms throughout the state.
Opportunities for collaboration within the UGA Commodity Teams and with colleagues in other departments and institutions are plentiful and encouraged. The UGA Department of Entomology is an internationally recognized department committed to interdisciplinary research, teaching and extension at local, regional, national and international levels. Our programs encompass basic and applied research on insects and other arthropods in diverse systems including agricultural / urban,
medical / veterinary, aquatic and other ecosystems.
Posting Type : External
Employment Type : Employee
Benefits Eligibility :
Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date :
03 / 02 / 2026
Job Posting Date : 12 / 03 / 2025
Open until filled : Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants :
Applicants should submit the following : a letter of application that describes past experience and interest in the position, and a detailed curriculum vitae (25- page limit). Candidates also need to provide names and contact information for three references.
Complete applications received by January 10, 2026 will be assured of full consideration.
Location of Vacancy :
Athens Area
EEO Statement :
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
USG Core Values Statement :
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .
Classification Title :
Public Service Professional AC
Faculty Rank : Open Rank
Contract Type : Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status : Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications :
MS in entomology, a related life science field or agricultural education / communication.
Position Summary :
The Department of Entomology (https : / / ent.uga.edu) at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for a full-time Public Service Assistant / Associate (non-tenure-track position, 12-months) to direct the Pesticide Use and Safety Program (https : / / psep.uga.edu / ) for the state of Georgia. The position is budgeted at 95% Service 5% Research.
The Department of Entomology seeks highly qualified candidates to build interdisciplinary educational programs in pesticide use and safety and worker protection standards. The core responsibility of this position is to develop and deliver interdisciplinary programs by : 1) Serving as the state Pesticide Safety Educational Program (PSEP) coordinator which may entail involvement in grants that support this educational and service mission of the Department, 2) Developing, delivering and overseeing pesticide education and safety training, 3) Serving as departmental liaison to provide college- wide Pesticide Safety Training for graduate research assistants and staff in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 4) Developing, delivering and overseeing Worker Protection Standards Training, 5) Work with county agents and specialists to develop worker protection training modules and videos.
The incumbent will be required to travel independently across the state; therefore, comfort and proficiency in driving are essential for successful job performance.
Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and / or Certification :
MS required but PhD strongly preferred in entomology, a related life science field or agricultural education / communication. One to two years experience overseeing similar programs is also highly desirable.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills and evidence of interdisciplinary background. Outstanding communication and organizational skills together with knowledge about worker protection standards and pesticide safety are essential to the position.
Is this a Position of Trust? :
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? :
Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :
No
Credit and P-Card policy :
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy :
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Duties / Responsibilities :
Build interdisciplinary educational programs in pesticide use and safety and worker protection standards. The core responsibility of this position is to develop and deliver interdisciplinary programs by : 1) Serving as the state Pesticide Safety Educational Program (PSEP) coordinator which may entail involvement in grants that support this educational and service mission of the Department, 2) Developing, delivering and overseeing pesticide education and safety training, 3) Serving as departmental liaison to provide college- wide Pesticide Safety Training for graduate research assistants and staff in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 4) Developing, delivering and overseeing Worker Protection Standards Training, 5) Work with county agents and specialists to develop worker protection training modules and videos.
Percentage Of Time : 100
Program Director • Athens, GA, United States