Assistant Extension Professor/Director, Crosby Arboretum

MSU Jobs•Pearl River, MS

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position consisting of a 100% Extension appointment. This position is located at the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, MS, and is administratively housed within the Coastal Research and Extension Center. The academic home of the successful candidate will be the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The primary function of this position will be to oversee the daily operations of the Crosby Arboretum including facilities, staff and programs. Extension efforts will be focused on the development of educational programs for both adult and youth related to the mission of Crosby Arboretum and Mississippi State University Extension. Efforts will also focus on development of site infrastructure and supervision of a staff that currently consists of 7 individuals. Development of programs for the public, Extension employees and collaboration with other scientists within the University will be considered an important aspect of the position.

Requirements

An earned terminal degree in a discipline addressing Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Botany, Environmental Horticulture, Public Garden Administration, or related discipline.
Acceptable candidates must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the knowledge, and expertise required to develop and deliver a nationally recognized Extension program to fulfill job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
Demonstrated record of extramural funding.
Willingness to address critical and emerging public garden management issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
Those with expertise and experience with public garden administration or other administrative experience will be given preference.

Responsibilities

Development of an Extension program targeting native plant ecosystems as demonstrated at The Crosby Arboretum and addressing native plant restoration, management, and environmental design.
Facilitate technology, research and educational transfer through appropriate training presentations, workshops, and in-service training sessions.
Interact regularly with relevant stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies and organizations, who represent all facets of native plant restoration and management to identify and facilitate timely applied research and Extension efforts addressing specific problems encountered by clientele.
Maintain programmatic ties with other Extension State Specialists and other faculty in the Coastal Research and Extension Center and in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design to implement innovative disciplinary and interdisciplinary educational programs as appropriate.
Pursue outside funding opportunities through grants and fundraising efforts in support of the Crosby Arboretum
Supervision of Crosby Arboretum staff and facilities including construction activities and natural resource management, along with the development and implementation of all educational programs featuring both internal and guest lecturers.
Development and implementation of exhibits and interpretive displays, as well as establishing and carrying out short- and long-term goals for the Crosby Arboretum.
Providing indirect supervision of volunteers, and overseeing the publication of a quarterly newsletter.
Collaborate with other MSU employees throughout the Mississippi State University system to develop viable statewide programs, working effectively with the Crosby Arboretum Foundation, and performing other duties as necessary.
Facilitate, coordinate and participate in Extension projects, demonstrations and other Extension activities in collaboration with Extension and government and non-government agency and organization scientists.
Pursue and procure extramural funding in support of their Extension program.
Demonstrate and present information and updates through effective program delivery by planning and participating in local, statewide, regional, national and international meetings.
Publish appropriate scholarly publications (print and web based) including: web-based information sheets, popular articles in trade magazines and newsletters, refereed journal articles, and press releases where appropriate.
Service to relevant professional organizations and Mississippi State University is also expected.
Actively participate in professional societies/organizations as well as appropriate CREC and academic home department committees.
Coordinate ecological goals/objectives through collaborative "team" efforts with Specialists, Agents and research scientists.
Have an active voice and display leadership in professional organizations and committees.