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The Department of Crop Sciences within the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities as well as state of the art teaching facilities. The University of Illinois also offers outstanding facilities in computing, data science, and genomic analysis as well as many other areas of potential support.

The Crop Sciences Department seeks candidates for a Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Assistant position. This position would be an integral part of the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) which is comprised of an instructional designer and 3 interdisciplinary Extension specialists. The goal of PSEP is to reach all users of pesticides in Illinois with quality educational information on the effective, economic, and environmentally sound use of pesticides. PSEP works in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Environmental Programs and is responsible for continually developing and administering educational training programs (in-person and online) and study materials for the state’s 37,000 licensed private and commercial pesticide applicators and operators. Be a part of this award-winning team. Crop Sciences has a legacy of providing effective and efficient client services while creating robust opportunities for promotional growth and development. The successful candidate would participate in a comprehensive onboarding strategy led by professionals in the Crop Sciences Department.

Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides professional operational and financial support for the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) to assist Illinois residents in compliance with state and federal pesticide regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Duties

Program Support and Expertise

◦ Assist PSEP with professional support tasks and budgetary functions.

◦ Provide knowledge about pesticide training and certification procedures, Illinois pesticide licensure categories, and training/testing processes.

Event and Logistics Management

◦ Coordinate logistics for training clinics and large-capacity testing sessions.

◦ Manage venue contracts, catering, AV arrangements, and accommodations.

Client Interaction and Registration Management

◦ Address client inquiries via phone or email.

◦ Manage registrations for training clinics and online courses, ensuring fee collection.

Data Compilation and Analysis

◦ Compile operational data for grant reporting.

◦ Maintain inventory numbers of educational materials and initiate reprints/revisions.

◦ Collaborate with the Instructional Designer to update the registration website and resolve client technical issues.

Liaison Responsibilities

◦ Act as a customer service liaison between PSEP and clients.

◦ Foster relationships with state agencies, U of I Extension units, and Distribution Services.

Promotional and Development Activities

◦ Create and distribute advertisements and promotional materials.

◦ Develop policies and standard operating procedures.

◦ Engage in professional development opportunities and assist with editing, writing, and web posting.

Financial Duties

Fiscal Accountability and Budget Management

◦ Oversee financial transactions for the budget.

◦ Assist with financial planning and goal setting.

◦ Deposit checks, approve expenditures, and ensure adherence to OBFS policies.

· Liaison for Financial Processes

◦ Coordinate with the Crop Sciences Business Office and University of Illinois Purchasing for contract approval, purchase orders, and venue payments.

Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirement:

Bachelor's degree. Demonstrated work experience and/or coursework in marketing, communications, and/or event planning or coordination.

Preferred:

Customer service experience.
Experience and/or coursework in agriculture and/or natural resources.
Willingness to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License if needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proficiency in ascertaining fiscal viability with each decision.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of computers and the ability to utilize a variety of software programs for use in financial, operational, and marketing processes.
Proficiency in prioritizing multiple tasks.
Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing as appropriate for the audience.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

· Ability to actively listen, problem-solve, and interact with clients to provide quality customer service.

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT DETAILS:

This is a full-time 100% FTE, 12-month service basis 5001 - Program Assistant appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The wage for this position is $20.69/hr. ($40,500.68/annually). Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

To be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE:

The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date.

APPLICATON PROCEDURES:

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May 26, 2025. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for your application to be considered.

For further information, please contact Michelle Wiesbrook, via e-mail at buesinge@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1030306
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Apply now

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