Assistant Professor (Practice): Agronomy

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.•Hermiston, OR

4d•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. The position is located 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, although appointment at a promoted rank may be considered based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. 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 focus on 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 approaches for managing reused water and agricultural-processing by-products. The position involves collaboration with HAREC colleagues, regional Extension faculty, and OSU researchers statewide to address crop production challenges across the Columbia Basin, as well as actively pursuing external funding to support research and Extension programming. Work takes place outdoors and in other settings, including inclement weather. The role requires flexibility to work in varied office and work settings; evenings and weekends may be required for events and educational programming. The employee must be able to transport field and other educational equipment and materials by lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling. The position requires a criminal history check and position-qualification determination. It also requires driving a university or personal vehicle on behalf of the university, maintaining a current valid driver’s license in the state of residence, and completing a motor vehicle history check. The incumbent must self-report convictions as required by university policy. The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026, and the anticipated end date is June 30, 2027. Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

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 with different life experiences, particularly members of minoritized communities.
Successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined position qualified.
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 by university policy.
Ability to work outdoors and in other settings, including inclement weather.
Ability to work flexibly in a variety of office and work settings; evenings and weekends may be required based on events and educational programming needs.
Ability to 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 in understanding program advisory committees.
Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding for program research, operations, development, and enhancement.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to scholarly activity, evidenced by publications in refereed journals, books, and/or electronic media.
Ability to learn and adapt to multiple forms of digital communication tools and systems, including websites, email newsletters, and social media, in a changing technological environment.
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, with expertise in soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management.
Focus programming and research on soil, nutrient, and irrigation management for regional crops, including potato, onions, mint, alfalfa, wheat, corn, and grass seed.
Work with industry partners and regulatory agencies to develop environmentally sustainable and economically viable strategies for 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.
Actively pursue external funding to support research and Extension programming.
Perform Extension teaching and related assignments.
Conduct applied research.
Produce scholarly outcomes.
Provide service.
Participate in events and educational programming, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Transport field and other educational equipment and materials as required.