The Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture has an opening for an Assistant or Associate Extension Professor of Soil Science and Director of the Future UConn Plant and Soil Health Center.
Assistant or Associate Extension Professor of Soil Science and Director of the Future UConn Plant and Soil Health Center
Description
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut is pleased to invite applications for a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure, Assistant or Associate Extension Professor. This position will oversee operations in the existing UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory. The anticipated division of duties for this role will be 70% Extension, 10% Administrative, 10% Teaching, and 10% Research. This position is anticipated to start December 1, 2024, with preference to applicants who apply by 8/31/2024. This position will be based in the Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, located on the UConn Storrs Depot Campus in Storrs, CT.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participation in the USDA’s federal working group – Northeast Coordinating Committee on Soil Testing (NECC-2312).
- Coordination of the CT Master Composter Program
- Soil Training for CT Master Gardener Program
- Participation in the soils section of the Natural Resources Conservation Academy with NRCS soil scientists.
- Updating and maintaining the Plant and Soil Health Center website
- Contributing to, and ensuring the timely distribution of, the monthly PSHC newsletter
- Writing/reviewing fact sheets pertinent to stakeholder interest
- Coordinating Extension programming such as seminars, workshops, podcasts, and events
- Coordinating PSHC representation at various events including the CT Flower & Garden Show, FFA Career Development Events, The Big E, Connecticut Nursery and Landscapers Association Meetings, etc.
- Preparing annual reports of activities and surveys as well as employee evaluations
- Develop a strategic plan for the new Plant and Soil Health Center, including key performance indicators, and annual reports for the Center.
- Provide feedback and guidance directly to inquiries and respond to clients.
Minium Qualifications
- Earned doctoral degree in soil science, soil chemistry, plant science, agricultural engineering, Doctor of Plant Medicine/Doctor of Plant Health degree, or closely related disciplines.
- For the Assistant Extension Professor title, at least three years of relevant experience is required.
- For the Associate Extension Professor title, at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Professor or the equivalent is required.
- Three to five years of public, private, or academic experience operating or directing a soil, plant analysis, or environmental analysis laboratory.
- Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Understand, develop, and implement laboratory standard operating procedures, protocols, safety guidelines, chemical hygiene plans, and operational workflows and pipelines, such as analytical instruments.
- Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MS Access is used as the SNAL laboratory information management system (LIMS), with support from Agstar programmers. Knowledge of alternate LIMS may be considered.
- Experience serving in supervisory and leadership positions, particularly within an academic or service center context.
- Experience with budgets, spending plans, and fiscal management for a laboratory, academic setting, or service center.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is selected. Apply Now!
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp