Job Description

Overview

The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate (PSC) seeks applicants for a fiscal-year, .917 FTE (11-month) tenure-track faculty position in fruit production. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an Extension and research program with a primary focus in fruit crop production systems in Utah reflecting Utah State University\xe2\x80\x99s land grant mission. The position will have a role assignment of 70% Extension, 25% research, and 5% service. The position would be based on the USU main Logan campus in the heart of beautiful Cache Valley.

Utah\xe2\x80\x99s fruit industry includes over 8,000 acres of commercial orchards (tart cherry, peach and apple); as well as small-acreage, direct-market producers of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry. There is also expanding interest in urban production, and alternative crops (native fruits and cold hardy nuts) for diversification opportunities. Adapting to the ever-increasing limitations of water, land, and climate to maintain farm sustainability and viability are key challenges. USU is seeking an individual to provide leadership and support for Extension outreach and applied research that will meet these, and other emerging needs of Utah\xe2\x80\x99s fruit industry.

The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate presents many collaborative opportunities across disciplines to meet production horticulture needs, as well as through longstanding relationships in Applied Economics, Environmental Engineering, Entomology and Plant Pathology, and the statewide Cooperative Extension system.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2023, but applications will be accepted and fully considered after that date until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is May 1, 2024.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide leadership of Extension programming to meet needs of Utah\xe2\x80\x99s fruit industry and document impacts.
• Develop an applied research program focused on fruit production systems that are economically viable and environmentally and socially responsible.
• Obtain competitive extramural grant funding.
• Generate peer reviewed Extension materials (e.g. fact sheets, bulletins, videos, social media posts)
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate with a wide range of scientists and professionals at USU, USU Extension county and regional offices, other universities, and federal, regional, and state agencies.
• Contribute to the department/college/university and profession through service.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, soil science, plant physiology or related field by the time of hire.
• Direct experience with perennial cropping systems, and whole plant physiology.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse Extension audiences.
• Ability to develop an externally funded research program that complements Extension efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with temperate fruit crops.
• A record of successful extramural funding.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in academic journals.
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with various and diverse stakeholder groups.
• A recognized potential for effective collaboration with PSC and Extension faculty and staff.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter- upload in Other Documents 1-10

3) Statement of interest for the position including an Extension/research philosophy and commitment to diversity in those efforts - upload in Other Documents 1-10

4) Three professional references with contact information

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah\xe2\x80\x99s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. about USU.

The university provides a to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university\xe2\x80\x99s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or .

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU\xe2\x80\x99s main campus, , is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area in the Milken Institute\xe2\x80\x99s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.

*updated 7/2023

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU\xe2\x80\x99s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, , Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, , Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit , or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481,

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695,

Utah State University