Regional Extension Agronomist
Washington State University

Job Info

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Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

October 14, 2024

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):270-NN_FACULTY - Assistant Professor, 280-NN_FACULTY - Associate ProfessorBusiness Title:Regional Extension AgronomistEmployee Type:FacultyPosition Term:9 MonthPosition Details:

Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit seeks a Regional Extension Agronomist. This is a permanent, 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position. May be eligible for up to 2-month summer salary, conditional on successful performance and funding. Appointment is at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The position is headquartered at the WSU Whitman County Extension Office in Colfax, Washington and will serve the dryland agronomy needs in Southeastern Washington State.

Summary of Duties:

This position is responsible for leading outreach for agricultural extension programs in dryland agronomy and cropping systems across Whitman County and Southeastern Washington. Program emphasis will focus on agronomic crop production and cropping systems, along with farm enterprise management and decision support systems. This position is expected to develop and conduct outreach and Extension programming based on sound agronomic practices, and on-farm research in collaboration with Washington State University (WSU) and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) colleagues and industry. This position will join and contribute to WSU research and Extension teams to address issues and opportunities of highest priority to area farmers in Whitman, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin and Walla Walla Counties.

The incumbent will be expected to acquire extramural funding to develop, sustain and strengthen ongoing programs as well as new program initiatives. This person will also facilitate and promote WSU programs and research opportunities through collaborative relationships with other Extension Specialists and WSU and ARS Researchers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead an Extension program that provides agricultural production and farm management education to growers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders. Focus areas may include cropping systems, IPM, alternative crops, soil health and fertility, and decision support systems for agriculture.

• Develop an applied, researched-based program with Extension components using appropriate technologies, conferences, classes, workshops, field days, videos, newsletters, and social and mass media. Audiences will include large and small acreage producers, landowners, and managers, consumers, special interest groups, professional groups, and elected officials.

• Conduct needs assessments to inform the program and integrate the outcomes into program planning, implementation, delivery, and outcome evaluation.

• Develop publications and creative works in print and electronic formats for target audiences, as well as scholarly articles and publications for appropriate professional journals.

• Engage in grant development and secure extramural resources to advance agriculture and cropping systems through applied research and outreach.

• Collaborate and cooperate with internal and external agricultural partners, including faculty and staff at Research and Extension Centers, county and tribal locations, and university campuses.

• Seek affiliate faculty status with the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences or other Departments or Subject Matter Centers within WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

• Participate as a member of the Blue Mountain Extension Team (Walla Walla, Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, and Whitman Counties), WSU Extension Dryland Cropping Systems Team, and other programmatic teams of faculty and staff serving the region.

• Contribute to local, university, state, and federal recognition of WSU Extension as an essential education and applied research resource.

JOB EXPECTATIONS

• Reliable transportation for year-round travel is required. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related travel at the approved state rate if using a private vehicle.

• This position will lead multi-disciplinary teams across the state of Washington.

• Extension faculty members are hired into the organization. It is possible that future circumstances may require relocation.

• The candidate will understand and carry out the principles and specific requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affirmative Action Plan, and all pertinent rules and regulations.

• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Required Qualifications - Both Ranks

• Earned Master's degree or PhD in agronomy, plant science, soil science, or other discipline directly related to delivering tenurable research based Extension programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources by date of hire.

• While using a private or WSU motor pool vehicle for official business, have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW 46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090); and

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in cropping systems and innovative farming practices.

• Demonstrated ability to lead as well as to participate in interdisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and listening skills in relating to diverse audiences, including large and small acreage producers, landowners, and managers, consumers, special interest groups, professional groups, and elected officials.

Required Qualifications - Associate Professor Rank

• Will need a record of scholarship aligned with effort devoted to scholarship in previous positions, a higher level of national/international recognition and a higher level of extension and scholarly experience as compared to Assistant Professor applicants.

Preferred Qualifications - Both Ranks

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs using a variety of modern methodologies.

• Demonstrated skill in applied research and demonstration methodologies for agricultural practices.

• Demonstrated success in grant writing and extramural funds development.

• Documented record of scholarship in subject matter closely aligned with this position.

• Ability to conduct needs assessments and integrate into program planning, implementation, delivery, and outcome evaluation.

Considerations regarding rank will be determined based on the interests and qualifications of the candidate, as will division of time between clinical duty, extension, and scholarly activity. More information regarding faculty rank qualifications can be found at, https://provost.wsu.edu/documents/2017/08/tenure-and-promotion-guidelines.pdf/

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

City, State, Zip:

Colfax, WA 99111

Department Link:

http://anr.cw.wsu.edu/

Annual Salary:

$61,364.00 - $73,637.00

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf.

Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.

FTE:

100%

This is a permanent, tenure track position.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by October 13, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility:

This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. The successful candidate would need to already possess or be able to obtain their own U.S. Employment Authorization to be eligible for hire.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

Required Documents:

• Cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position,

• Current Curriculum Vitae,

• Statement on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the university, college, and program unit mission and vision, and

• Names and contact information for 4 (four) professional references.

For questions about the position, contact Mark Heitstuman, Search Committee Chair at heitstuman@wsu.edu or 509.243.2009.

Time Type:Full timeWASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.Notice of Non-DiscriminationWSU prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX and reports of sex discrimination can be directed to the WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU's policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.

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