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Assistant Professor (Practice) in Weed Science at the Central Oregon Agriculture Research and Extension Center

Description of Duties

Job Summary: The Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice position that will serve the three-county Central Oregon Region and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Director. The position is located in Madras, Oregon at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (COAREC) with an academic home in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University. Active contributions to scholarship are required (see the scholarly outcomes section, below, for details). The position will support agricultural production throughout central Oregon, with an emphasis on weed science and integrated weed management as it relates to the production of high value irrigated specialty crops (including grass seed, vegetable seed, and peppermint), forages, cereals, and other crops grown in central Oregon through a mix of research and Extension/outreach responsibilities. As a land-grant institution committed to teaching, research and outreach and engagement, OSU promotes economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. This position contributes to the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences, with principal responsibilities for applied research that addresses stakeholder needs, and Extension programs that deliver timely and essential information. Active and effective communication with colleagues, staff, and key stakeholders and industry leaders is critical to the success of this position. The College of Agricultural Sciences is committed to student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of their role in the college, the incumbents embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.The Division of Extension and Engagement of OSU is likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. Opportunities exist to engage with students in teaching and learning at all levels. Commitment to inclusive excellence: Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language Access regulations. In addition, this individual will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. Key responsibilities: The incumbent is expected to provide leadership and vision for applied research and Extension programming that serves the needs of agricultural producers and allied industries throughout Central Oregon. Programs will emphasize weed science related to the production of high value irrigated specialty crops and other crops grown in central Oregon. This faculty member embeds the commitment of the university to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed. This individual ensures that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. 70% Extension Teaching and Applied Research (including technology demonstration) Conduct applied research activities in the area of weed science as it relates to the production of high value irrigated specialty crops (including grass seed, vegetable seed, and peppermint), forages, cereals, and other crops grown in central Oregon. Establish Extension programming and demonstration projects in weed science and related areas that emphasize multi-tactic practices, systems approaches to crops management, and novel technologies. Collaboration is expected with colleagues in other supporting disciplines (e.g. agronomy, entomology, plant pathology). Collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs in weed science. Communicate applied research progress and results to stakeholders and provide educational opportunities using peer reviewed publications, professional meetings, commodity group presentations, Extension events and electronic communication (i.e., web sites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods). Keep abreast of, and interpret scientific, technological and industry developments and trends at state, regional, national, and international levels. Determine program needs and priorities through use of local advisory groups, commodity commissions and other stakeholder groups, and meetings with field crop producers and industry leaders. Evaluate effectiveness and impact of extension education programs and refine to meet changing needs. Evaluate and document applied research and Extension impacts of programs and communicate the results to target audiences. Collectively design, develop, market, disseminate, and evaluate Extension agricultural programs based on weed science, that serves the needs of agricultural producers in central Oregon (Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs). Investigate and apply available and emerging scale appropriate technology and farming practices related to weed science, advancing adaptation and resilience for Central Oregon’s changing climate and drought conditions. Serve as the main weed science subject matter expert for Extension faculty for Central Oregon and respond to questions from producers, industry consultants, and other field staff. Develop broad expertise related to soil and nutrient management, irrigation systems, efficient use of water, agricultural regulations, and other pertinent areas. Develop and engage efficient methods for addressing high volumes of topically repetitive clientele inquiries. Include systems of inquiry screening and response utilizing county Extension office clerical staff, personal expertise, Ask an Expert (Ask Extension) portal, and expertise of other OSU faculty. Coordinate Extension and educational activities with agricultural research faculty at COAREC and other OSU research facilities within the state. Cooperate with other OSU faculty on research priorities, demonstration trials and distribution of information about research findings. Collaborate with existing organizations who provide similar programs to increase access to and decrease duplication of resources by agricultural producers. Develop fact sheets, Extension publications, website content and other materials that address weed science needs specific to central Oregon producers. Include a diversity of perspectives in program content. Secure funding and other resources (through grants, contracts, gifts, fees, etc.) to expand the capacity of programs offered by this position, as appropriate. Market programs and services effectively, and ensure all persons have access without discrimination. Regularly evaluate and document evidence of program accomplishments. Produce plans of work, reports of accomplishments and similar reports as requested. Develop and follow a professional development plan. Participate in appropriate professional and scientific organizations. Participate in professional development opportunities that enhance the educational programming capacities and administrative leadership. Offer educational events eligible for pesticide license recertification credits in topics related to weed science. 20% – Scholarly Outcomes: Assigned duties for this position are expected to result in scholarly outcomes. Scholarly and creative work is intellectual work whose significance is validated by peers and that is communicated through a variety of mediums. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as a professional practitioner in community settings as defined in this position description. Individually and as part of teams, secure outside grants, and contracts and/or service fees to support and enhance position-appropriate educational and applied research programs and service activities, as appropriate. The faculty member will be expected to meet all reporting requirements of the funding sources, department, college, and university. To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. 10% – Service Serve as an effective team member in the COAREC and OSU Agriculture Extension Program located in the central Oregon region. Provide service to academic home, college and university through committee service and leadership as appropriate and requested by administrators and peers. Serve on state, regional, local, and national advisory committees appropriate to position responsibilities and participate in professional organization activities.
Required/Minimum Qualifications are:Master’s degree in weed science, agronomy, crop science, soil science, horticulture, or a field closely related to the duties of the position. Degree must be completed by start of appointment date.Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.Demonstrated informal or formal teaching skills.Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including the effective use of electronic (traditional and web-based) and printed mass media.Demonstrated ability to work as a team member with other professionals and volunteers.General ability to use common computer technology, including proficiency with information technology, data management, web sites and social media.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Ability to gather, interpret and communicate clearly and effectively broad-based scientific information with community and industry stakeholders as well as the basic working knowledge about how to conduct applied field research.Ability to lead groups, create partnerships, and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management.Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.Preferred qualifications:PhD in weed science, agronomy, crop science, soil science, horticulture, or a field closely related to the duties of the position.One or more years’ experience with Extension or other informal education delivery methods.Course work or training or experience with experimental design or basic statistical methods appropriate for applied field research.Strong general background in crop production, with experience in water use efficiency, seed crops, forage, pasture, or cereal crops, soil management, and irrigation systems as they relate to crop production in a semi-arid environment.Ability to incorporate multiple cultural perspectives in educational design and delivery.Ability to secure external funding support for educational and research programs.Ability to adapt to the changing technological environment.

Type of position

Assistant Professor (Practice)

Salary

Benefits

Location

Central Oregon Agriculture Research and Extension Center (COAREC), Madras, Oregon

Closing Date

01/04/2024

Date Position Available

23/02/2024
Oregon State University
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.