Call for Applications
Enjoy a front-row seat to the work of EPA policymakers shaping the future of plant pathology. The APS Public Policy Board (PPB) is seeking a plant pathology subject matter expert (SME) to partner with PPB as our liaison with the EPA. This position is a great opportunity to build your professional network while advancing the society's scientific contributions to EPA activities that influence disease management. As our EPA liaison, you will be a technical resource for EPA scientists, providing advice on issues which affect plant health and plant disease management by U.S. farmers. You will also be able to collaborate and connect with SMEs within and outside of APS who work at the EPA on behalf of APS and our affiliated professional societies.
Please Note
- Due to the nature of the position, applicants are limited to those individuals who are not directly employed by private industry.
- This position does
not have responsibilities related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Required Experience
Expertise in the applied aspects of plant disease management in crops and landscapes, crop production practices and integrated disease control, including the use of fungicides and bactericides.
Familiarity with emerging regulatory topics of interest to APS members, such as endocrine disrupter screening for pesticides, pesticide drift labeling, pesticide resistance management, regulation and management of invasive plant pathogens and other issues which could affect plant disease management in the USA.
Working knowledge of EPA, USDA, and other government agencies that interact with plant pathologists and other stakeholders.
Role Description
- Serve a 3-year term as an ex-officio non-voting member on the APS Public Policy Board (PPB).
- Meet virtually with EPA counterparts to stay up to date on important registration issues.
- Provide scientific expertise on general scientific issues under consideration by the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) during their review of regulation and policies (2 – 5 reviews per year).
- Work with members of APS SME committees and individual expert scientists, to improve the ability of EPA staff to make informed, science-based decisions, while keeping EPA staff informed of significant changes and new findings in disease control practices and invasive plant pathogens.
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Help keep PPB informed of emerging issues or policies which might affect the ability of U.S. farmers and others to manage plant diseases.
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Participate in PPB meetings (1-1.5 hours per month), providing updates on their activities with the EPA. When applicable, the liaison joins PPB during their visits to Washington, D.C. (1 visit per year).
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Opportunities to collaborate with other SMEs working at the EPA on behalf of APS and our affiliated societies.
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Opportunity to work with EPA counterparts to coordinate webinars for EPA staff featuring useful information and presentations by APS members (once a quarter).
Selection Criteria
Ph.D. or M.Sc. degree in plant pathology.
Confirmation of approval by current employer.
Willingness and ability to conduct the work activities assigned.
Flexibility to deal with unfolding situations and issues.
Membership in APS is required.
Application Requirements
Complete CV.
Personal statement indicating interest in the position and period of availability.
Written confirmation of approval to participate by current employer.
Submit Your Application
Combine the above required items into a single .pdf and email it to the
Public Policy Board by January 31, 2025.
Selection
A PPB subgroup will review the applications and select an applicant to send to the EPA for consideration. All applicants will be contacted on the outcome of the process by the PPB chair.
Apply Today!
