Company: West Virginia University
Job Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Category: Extension and Outreach
Type: Full-Time
Description
The West Virginia University Extension Service is inviting applicants for a full-time, benefit eligible, Associate to assist with its Plant and Pest diagnostics and Extension IPM programs.
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate is expected to assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various service and applied research activities including, but not limited to, routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics, monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds, assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits at a pro-rated basis, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- Paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- Annual leave (vacation) (employee leave)
- Sick days (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Assist the Extension Plant Pathologist, Entomologist, and Weed Scientist with various services and applied research activities
- Routine laboratory and maintenance procedures related to plant and pest diagnostics
- Monitoring specialty crops for insects, diseases, and weeds
- Assisting with field and greenhouse experimentation and demonstrations
- Assist with grower training and development of training materials
- Maintain an inventory of MSDS of pesticides
- Assist with data collection from field experiments and repair materials for reports
- The Associate will report to the director of diagnostic clinic (Plant Pathologist) but will also work closely with the Extension Entomologist and Weed Scientist (IPM Coordinator) based on a predetermined monthly schedule.
- Maintain records of pest and disease specimens, weed herbaria, live weed specimens
- Maintain a database and enter data into the national 'Plant Diagnostic Information System;
- Gathering supplementary information on specific host-pest combination
- Traveling to various sites within the state to collect pest specimens and routine maintenance of isolate collections at the plant diagnostic clinic
- Attend training meetings and assist with outreach programmatic activities
- Significant statewide travel and/or overnight stays will be expected during the growing season (April-August) to perform important pest scouting duties.
Qualifications
B.S. in Plant Science with supporting course work preferably in horticulture, agronomy, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, and weed science.
A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
- Experimental and laboratory techniques
- Data collection and processing
- Computer skills in Excel, Word, and data analysis
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Requirements
Valid Driver's License
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work independently in an environment with low level supervision after appropriate training is provided.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting
Aug 14, 2026
Posting Classification
Classified
Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full-time