Request for Applications

Project Coordinator & Subject Matter Experts

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Inspector Pocket Guide

The Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) invites applications to serve on a project team to create a national Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Inspector Pocket Guide.

The Project: The primary goal of this project is to create an updated WPS Inspector Pocket Guide to meet the current needs of WPS inspectors nationwide. The Guide is intended to replace the EPA/OECA Worker Protection Field Inspection Pocket Guide (EPA 300-B-02-001, March 2002). However, pending a national needs assessment, the breadth and format may be significantly different than the earlier Guide. The Guide will be developed only in English.

The Team: We are looking for a team of one Coordinator and 1-2 WPS subject matter experts (SMEs). The Coordinator will create and execute a project plan, ensuring timely delivery of a high-quality Guide. If deemed a benefit to the project, out-of-state travel for the Coordinator may be included to forums where there is opportunity to gain feedback on national needs and draft(s) of the Guide. The team will collaborate closely with EPA/OECA to develop the Guide, and assist in determining its breadth and content. The team will meet via phone or by remote meeting technology on an as-needed basis. Successful applicants will have experience (past or present) as a WPS inspector, and demonstrated success working individually or on a team to produce pesticide safety materials. All roles may be compensated, if desired.

The goal is to complete the Guide by November 2018, although the Coordinator may be needed longer to respond to user feedback. The level of effort for each team member depends on the number of SMEs recruited, the breadth and format of the Guide, the team's availability (hours/week) and their skill level. PERC predicts peak effort between July and October could include about 5-15 hours per week.

Project Coordinator Job Description & Qualifications

Job responsibilities may include some or all of the following:

• Collect national best practices and resources relevant to the scope of this project.
• Serve in lead role, including planning and chairing team meetings, to determine breadth and content of the Guide.
• Maintain ongoing consultation via PERC administrators with EPA to ensure regulatory accuracy.
• Collaborate with EPA/OECA in the creation and EPA approval of the guide.
• Create and execute a project plan, ensuring timely delivery of a high-quality Guide.
• Serve as lead author of Guide utilizing the best practices and to include feedback from the primary user and the target audiences (WPS inspectors).
• Organize material and complete writing assignment according to standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Communicate with team members, PERC Administrators, and EPA on project status.
• When appropriate, incorporate feedback from the PERC Advisory Board.
• Experience and demonstrated success working on a team to produce pesticide safety materials.
• Current or former experience as a WPS inspector.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Project management expertise to guide project and adhere to established timelines for creation and release.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Job Description & Qualifications

Job responsibilities may include some or all of the following:

• Collect national best practices and resources relevant to the scope of this project.
• Serve as contributing author of Guide utilizing the best practices and to include feedback from the primary user and the target audiences (WPS inspectors).
• Organize material and complete writing assignment according to standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Review drafted chapters and recommend revisions or changes in format and content.
• When appropriate, incorporate feedback from the PERC Advisory Board.
• Maintain ongoing consultation with Project Coordinator via conference calls and email.
• Experience with pesticide applications and/or pesticide-related training.
• Experience and demonstrated success working on a team to produce pesticide safety materials.
• Current or former experience as a WPS inspector.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Eligibility: State and tribal regulators, academic/private/non-profit educators, and representatives from professional associations are encouraged to apply. Funding is available for compensation for a project member's time, pending the applicant's eligibility to accept payment under the rules governing this cooperative agreement. Participation may also be considered as in-kind, upon request by the team member.

Application Procedure & Selection: Complete the web-based form available here. Be prepared to describe your qualifications, availability, compensation requirements, and your interest in the project.

Application receipt deadline: Monday, June 18, 2018

Earliest start date: ~ July 16, 2018

PERC administrators from the University of California of Davis Extension and Oregon State University will make the final selections using a score-sheet based on listed qualifications. Applicants will be notified by July 10. For questions, please contact Hannah Moore, Suzanne Forsyth, or Kaci Buhl

About PERC: PERC is led by University of California of Davis Extension and Oregon State University, and is funded by a 5-year cooperative agreement (#X8-83616301) from the U.S. EPA. PERC aims to support the development of resources/materials about the safe use of pesticides by applicators and handlers in agricultural, commercial, and residential settings. Materials could include brochures, factsheets, posters, videos, manuals, and mobile tools, while addressing the needs of low-literacy and multilingual audiences. These materials will help prevent pesticide exposure incidents for pesticide applicators, handlers, workers, and their families. The PERC supports the U.S. EPA's Strategic Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and preventing pollution.