Assistant Professor, Agricultural Science

CSU Careers•San Luis, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Agricultural Science starting approximately August 12, 2027. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The BS Agricultural Science degree program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving needs of the agriculture industry. Students are exposed to an interdisciplinary curriculum across the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and select one of six emphasis areas: Agribusiness, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Animal Science, Crop & Soil Science, Forestry & Natural Resources or Ornamental Horticulture. The program also prepares students for advanced studies in agriculture credentialing programs while emphasizing career readiness for industry roles. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in agricultural communication, education, and leadership, with a strong commitment to fostering student success and building connections with industry and community stakeholders. They will leverage their expertise to serve as the leader of the BS Agricultural Science degree program, preparing students for a multitude of career pathways. Primary teaching responsibilities will include a breadth of courses serving both the BS Agricultural Science and BS Agricultural Communication degree programs including but not limited to, current trends in California agriculture, senior projects, foundations in agricultural leadership, and presentation methods. Duties will include delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural communication, agricultural education, and agricultural leadership; student academic advising; overseeing co-curricular activities; working with students, faculty, staff, and industry representatives to serve diverse agriculture industry served by graduates of the BS in Agricultural Science program. The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (e.g., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development and contribute to the goals of the department. Service activities will include participation in department, college, and university committees, instructional-related activities, and advising student clubs. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring range: Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156

Requirements

Earned doctorate degree in any field relevant to agricultural communication, agricultural education, or agricultural leadership. Candidates nearing completion of their doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
Demonstrated, or potential for, excellence in teaching.
Effective communication skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to be a team player.
Ability to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
Demonstrated, or potential for, an ability to secure external funding and publish research.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Demonstrated commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environments.
Must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment (mandated reporter).

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching in a university or community college setting.

Responsibilities

Deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural communication, agricultural education, and agricultural leadership.
Advise students academically.
Oversee co-curricular activities.
Work with students, faculty, staff, and industry representatives to serve diverse agriculture industry served by graduates of the BS in Agricultural Science program.
Participate in scholarly activities (e.g., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development and contribute to the goals of the department.
Participate in department, college, and university committees.
Engage in instructional-related activities.
Advise student clubs.