UMass Extension is recruiting a Small Fruit Specialist to join our Fruit Team. Currently, our Fruit Team consists of a faculty entomologist, a faculty fruit and vegetable specialist, an Extension Educator specializing in tree fruit horticulture, and an Extension Educator with tree fruit pathology and IPM expertise. We are searching for someone to specialize in small fruit (strawberry, blueberry, brambles, grapes, and others) to complete our team. Please note that cranberries are not included here as they are covered by our specialists at the Cranberry Research Station in Wareham.
The Small Fruit Specialist will develop Extension educational programming and publications, and conduct applied research to meet the needs of small fruit growers statewide. They will work to enhance the economic, human, and environmental health of the small fruit industry in Massachusetts. They will provide unbiased, research-based information, publications, and education programs in the areas of small fruit production, cropping systems and diversification, crop health, and Integrated Pest Management. Our primary goal is to facilitate the improvement of small fruit production in Massachusetts and provide new opportunities to growers to expand competitive, quality offerings to their markets, e.g., supermarkets, farm markets, roadside stands, and u-pick operations.
The ideal candidate should be team oriented and independently motivated. They should also be able to converse, and build relationships with fruit growers. The position will be based on the UMass Amherst campus; however, the candidate must be willing to travel state-wide and open to collaborating with colleagues throughout the Northeast and possibly beyond.
We look forward to having a Small Fruit Specialist join our fruit team! The job description and application instructions can be found here.
Priority application deadline is January 31, 2025. Questions may be directed to jon.clements@umass.edu.