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The Plant Diagnostic Professional position is responsible for carrying out the everyday tasks of the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab (PDDL) to ensure high-quality diagnostic services are provided to home gardeners and commercial growers. The position is responsible for initial triage of the sample, followed by any methods needed to reach a final diagnosis, including visual and microscopic assessment, culturing, lateral flow devices carrying out bacterial differentials, and performing hypersensitive responses. This position will work closely with undergraduate lab technicians, graduate students, the Assistant Diagnostician and Accreditation Manager, and the lab Director. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $50,000 to $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KEjg1MoqrpoQVafz5T1Ni-dnXjmyxPUj/view?usp=sharing)

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

About Cooperative Extension

Cooperative Extension (https://extension.umaine.edu/) is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities — in every corner of Maine. These educational efforts focus on the Maine Food System (https://extension.umaine.edu/maine-food-system/) and Positive Youth Development (https://extension.umaine.edu/umaine-extension-4h/) through 4-H programs. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus.

The University of Maine System provides a highly competitive benefits (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/benefits/) package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more.

Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing UMaine is quality of life. From harbors overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Maine offers a myriad of natural beauty and landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures. About 90% of the state is forested with 3,500 miles of shoreline. Residents living in Maine experience all four seasons; including cold and snowy winters, short and beautiful summers, and incredible foliage changes in the fall. Forestry, agriculture, tourism and, of course, lobsters play a large role in Maine’s economy. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic and a reasonable cost of living make Maine a wonderful place to live.

Qualifications:

Required:

+ Bachelor’s degree in plant science/pathology, biological sciences, environmental science, disease ecology, or related field.

+ At least 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.

+ Prior experience working in a laboratory setting.

+ Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

+ Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills as evidenced by conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant history.

+ Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software and mobile devices.

+ Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment as well as work effectively as part of a team and achieve and document measurable results.

+ A Maine Pesticide Applicator's license is required within the first year of employment.

+ Ability to lift 30 pounds

Preferred:

+ Masters degree in plant science/pathology, biological sciences, environmental science, disease ecology, or related field.

+ Vast knowledge in morphological identification.

+ Ability to use symptoms to make a diagnosis.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position

2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on August 22, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Name at Alicyn Smart, [email protected].

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report (https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.