Assistant Professor (Practice): Agronomy

OSU Oregon State University • Hermiston, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor (Practice) position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. The position is based at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hermiston, Oregon, with an academic home in the Department of Crop and Soil Science. Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated, though a promoted rank may be considered based on the successful candidate’s qualifications.

The faculty member will lead an Extension and applied research program in field crop agronomy, with expertise in soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management. The program will complement the station’s strengths in potato breeding and pest management and address soil, nutrient, and irrigation management for regional high-value crops, including potato, onions, mint, alfalfa, wheat, corn, and grass seed. The faculty member will work with industry partners and regulatory agencies to develop environmentally sustainable and economically viable strategies for managing reused water and agricultural-processing by-products.

The faculty member is expected to collaborate with HAREC colleagues, regional Extension faculty, and OSU researchers statewide to address crop-production challenges across the Columbia Basin, and to pursue external funding to support research and Extension programming. Responsibilities include Extension teaching and related assignments, applied research, scholarly outcomes, and service.

Requirements

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in Extension teaching and other informal education delivery methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge in soil, nutrient, and/or irrigation management.
• Demonstrated applied research skills in crop production, including the ability to independently conduct and manage all field operations related to an active field research program.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate successfully with broad and diverse audiences.
• Possess or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Evidence of commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and cooperate effectively within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to serve constituents from different backgrounds and life experiences, particularly members of minoritized communities.
• Successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified under University Standard 05-010 et seq.; self-report convictions as required.
• Successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in the state of residence, be determined position qualified, and self-report convictions as required.
• Ability to work outdoors and in other settings, including inclement weather, and flexibility to work in a variety of office and work settings.
• Ability to transport (lift, carry, push, or pull) field and other educational equipment and materials.

Nice To Haves

• Multiple years of experience in potato production systems or other irrigated cropping systems relevant to the Columbia Basin.
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of center-pivot irrigation systems.
• Demonstrated applied research experience in nutrient management to reduce nitrate leaching and groundwater contamination.
• Proficiency in modern agricultural technology methodologies and applications, such as artificial intelligence applications in agricultural production.
• Demonstrated experience working with grower groups and regulatory agencies in developing policy.
• Demonstrated experience understanding program advisory committees.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding for program research, operations, development, and enhancement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups and plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate program-management details.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to scholarly activity, evidenced by publications in refereed journals, books, and/or electronic media.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple digital communication tools and systems, including websites, email newsletters, and social media.
• Ability to incorporate multiple cultural perspectives in educational design and delivery.
• Record of or commitment to working with underrepresented or underserved students or other audiences.
• Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead an Extension and applied research program in field crop agronomy, focusing on soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management.
• Develop and deliver Extension teaching and other educational programming related to crop production and management.
• Conduct applied research in soil, nutrient, and irrigation management for regional high-value crops.
• Work with industry partners and regulatory agencies to develop sustainable and economically viable approaches to managing reused water and agricultural-processing by-products.
• Collaborate with HAREC colleagues, regional Extension faculty, and OSU researchers statewide to address crop-production challenges across the Columbia Basin.
• Pursue external funding to support research and Extension programming.
• Produce scholarly outcomes and contribute service.
• Conduct field operations associated with an active field research program.
• Work and participate in educational programming that may require evenings and weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree