Instructor and Plant Disease C

Instructor and Plant Disease Clinic Manager Description: The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill an Instructor position (12-month) that will serve as manager of the plant disease clinic and teach classes in plant pathology. The plant disease clinic is a service laboratory and educational resource to Virginia Cooperative Extension offices and a member laboratory of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The lab receives samples submitted for diagnosis, conducts appropriate diagnostic testing and provides reports and recommendations to the submitting entities. Through its activities, the lab supports VCE Extension agents by providing clear and timely diagnoses and management recommendations to clientele, while maintaining a cooperative, productive relationship with other VCE service labs and offices, relevant Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, campus-based specialists and the Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (VDACS) Plant Industry Services. In addition to clinic management activities and conducting diagnostics, the incumbent will teach Plant Problem Diagnosis (PPWS 4154/5154) as well as an additional class in plant pathology to be determined in consultation with the Director of SPES. Responsibilities: Provide overall management (e.g. budgets, personnel, etc.) and leadership for the plant disease clinic to ensure smooth operations. Conduct plant diagnostics and develop reports. Teach two classes in plant pathology. Provide talks related to plant diseases and problem diagnosis to grower groups, Master Gardeners, VCE agents and foresters as requested. Maintain the VT Plant Problem Image Gallery and videos for the Virginia Master Gardener YouTube channel. Collaborate on grant projects relevant to diagnostics as requested and appropriate. Serve on SPES and CALS committees as requested. Required Qualifications: Candidates for this position must have: 1) a M.S. degree in plant pathology or closely related field; 2) experience with plant diagnostics, 3) good communication and interpersonal skills, 4) good organizational skills and 5) a demonstrable commitment to diversity and inclusion. Desirable Quali