Assistant Professor (Practice)

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 5 days ago
Location: Helen, MARYLAND
Deadline: 22 Apr 2024

Position Details
Position Information


Department Horticltr Extn Field Fac (AHT)
Position Title Assistant Professor (Practice)
Job Title Assistant Professor (Practice)
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location St Helens
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Division of Extension and Engagement and the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Program invite applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position is based at the OSU Extension Service Columbia County Office in St Helen, Oregon.
This is a fixed-term, Assistant Professor of Practice with an academic home of the Department of Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences serving Columbia County. This Assistant Professor of Practice reports to the Regional Director assigned to the Coastal region. Reappointment is at the discretion of the supervision team which includes the Coastal Regional Director, the Extension Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Program Leader, and the Department Head of Horticulture. Active contributions to scholarship are required (refer to the scholarship section, below, for details).
This faculty member will be responsible for assessing needs, teaching, facilitating, and evaluating educational programs in community horticulture. The incumbent will be responsible for training, managing, and supporting active groups of Master Gardener volunteers and developing education programs in integrated pest management, community food systems, and other community horticulture related needs of the public.
This position may participate as a member of the statewide Small Farms Program team, contributing to design, delivery, evaluation, and continual improvement of education, outreach, and applied research programs, both current and new. The Small Farms Program is a statewide team of Extension faculty who use a combination of applied research, extension teaching, outreach, and engagement to learn with and support the goals of a wide variety of small-scale farms and ranches that use sustainable, ecological, organic, and humane production practices and sell into local and regional markets. Program faculty also serve non-commercial, small-acreage producers and collaborate with a broad range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, businesses, and others involved in sustainable agriculture and local and regional food systems.
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 responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program and educational material development, delivery, and evaluation, and for conducting applied research to support Extension activities.
Oregon State University is committed to practicing and delivery of tools for state-of-the-science interaction and engagement of partners and stakeholders. This faculty member is required to use modern learning and outreach tools including online and hybrid classes, multimedia and digital communications, employ and practice engaged scholarship, promote integration of programs across disciplines that are demand-driven and use open-source tools that continually align with innovation and shifts in educational program delivery. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.
This position is responsible for needs assessment, Extension program development, educational program delivery and instruction, and evaluation of outcomes and impacts for adult audiences in the areas of horticulture (both commercial and community), animal agriculture, and small farms management and marketing. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and maintaining broad expertise in these areas and working effectively with regional and statewide specialists to address local needs.
College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student/learner success by engaging them in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Engagement are likewise committed to student/learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.
Active and effective communication with colleagues and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position. This position will require traveling.
About the division:
The Division of Extension and Engagement (Division) is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The Division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our Division and its core units and initiatives, please visit our Division website : https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.
The Division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.
Commitment to inclusive excellence:
Oregon State University is committed to a culture of belonging and collaboration. We envision collaborative and respectful environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language/Visual 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.
OSU Division of Extension and Engagement’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion
OSU Mission Statement
https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/trustees/about-board/oregon-state-university-mission-statement
Why OSU?
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.
Key Responsibilities
This faculty member is expected to reflect the commitment of the university to inclusive excellence in all interactions and duties performed and contributes to a safe, welcoming and respectful learning and workplace environment. 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 Other Assignments
a) Extension Teaching
  • Utilize Oregon State University’s six principles of teaching excellence that include audience consideration, planning, enhanced engagement, teaching, assessment, and reflection to provide a high level of non-credit teaching for extension audiences.
  • Conduct on-going needs-assessment activities to determine the educational needs specific to this position’s audiences.
  • Following a prioritized needs assessment, develop, facilitate, and implement a comprehensive Extension program that includes horticultural and field crops to meet the needs of conventional and biological farming systems for agricultural producers and home gardeners in assigned counties.
  • Lead efforts to recruit, train, and enable Master Gardener volunteers to deliver relevant and timely educational programs related to community horticulture.
  • Provide opportunities for advanced training and recertification for Master Gardeners.
  • Deliver Extension non-credit educational programs that may include demonstrations, workshops, field tours, and field days, as well as the use of multiple methods of digital communications, including websites, publications, video conferencing, hybrid teaching, all PACE formats, and other digital/online methods for internal and external collaboration and/or information dissemination as appropriate. Provide educational programs to community horticulture clientele that includes current information on integrated pest management, best management practices, and ecological gardening and landscaping.
  • Use effective Extension teaching methods that meet clientele needs, with materials, methods, and outcomes shared with peers in the state, region, and/or nation.
  • Design Extension programs that can be offered centrally or online to maximize client participation across the designated counties.
  • Design or adapt a clear evaluation protocol to evaluate and to report Extension program impacts locally, regionally and/or internationally.
  • Use technology as a tool to increase the reach and impact of program delivery for constituents including participating in Ask-Extension and using the division’s customer relationship management system.
  • Develop and maintain efficient methods for addressing high volumes of topically repetitive clientele inquiries through scholarly outputs like Extension publications, videos, and other digital communications and engagement tools and strategies.
  • Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.
  • Extension teaching also includes individual contact teaching through one-on-one consultation and providing technical advice through digital communication tools and phone communication.
  • Engage and contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in promotion dossiers.
  • Conduct and coordinate local pesticide recertification efforts for stakeholders as well as answer any pesticide related questions from the public.
  • Maintain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License throughout employment to stay up-to-date with the science of pesticides and answer pesticide related questions.


b) Partnerships/Collaboration/Networking
  • Develop networks of formal and informal interest groups in subject matter areas where appropriate. Utilize partnerships with diverse interest groups to provide advisory support and to enhance program quality and delivery. This will likely include appropriate commodity and/or producer organizations.
  • Contribute to program development and enhancement of the statewide Master Gardener program.
  • Determine Extension program needs and priorities through use of local advisory groups, commodity commissions and other stakeholder groups, and meetings with growers and industry leaders. Evaluate effectiveness and impact of Extension education programs and refine to meet changing needs.
  • Further identify program needs and priorities by engaging commodity commissions. Collaborate with other researchers and Extension faculty and public and private agencies to develop relevant science-based solutions to address prioritized challenges and opportunities.
  • Engage with community-based and regional organizations to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development within local, regional, or state boundaries as appropriate.

c) Accountability
  • Develop annual plans of work that address educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of Extension educational and applied research programs materials and digital communications.
  • Measure and report regularly on program impact in the Faculty Success online platform.
  • Implement fee-based programming and cost-recovery practices to support and enhance program delivery.
  • This position is expected to solicit peer teaching evaluations and citizen evaluation of teaching.
  • Serve as a team member of the field crops, vegetables, and home horticulture related Extension working groups, as well as other workgroups related to the duties of this position.
  • Keep records and provide necessary reports to Extension Administration, the department and/or college, including plans of work, narrative reports, impact statements, statistical reports, and reports of accomplishments.
  • Report outputs and outcomes to Extension regional directors and elected officials (where applicable) in the areas served.
  • Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers relevant, science-based topical information when requested.
  • Utilize appropriate and effective methods of communication to promote Extension programs and market Extension across Oregon and nationally.
  • Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing, and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
  • Travel is required to provide these Extension educational programming and services throughout assigned counties.

15% – Applied Research
  • Conduct applied research activities that supports Extension programming as well as demonstration trials to develop or confirm management practices for field crop production in areas of specific need and clientele interest. Collaboration is expected with colleagues in other supporting disciplines such as weed sciences, entomology, soil sciences, and plant pathology. Other applied research may include activities that support home horticulture programming, in particular, gardening demonstration projects in areas of specific need and clientele interest that emphasize multi-tactic practices, management, and novel technologies as needed.
  • Evaluate and document applied research and Extension impacts of programs and communicate the results to target audiences.
  • Collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs in field crops.
  • Communicate applied research progress and results to relevant audiences using peer reviewed publications, professional meetings, commodity group presentations, extension events and other digital communication and engagement tools and systems.
  • Design or adapt a clear evaluation protocol to evaluate and report applied research program impacts.
  • 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. The faculty member will be expected to meet all reporting requirements of the funding sources, department, college, and university.
  • Keep abreast of, and interpret scientific, technological and industry developments and trends at state, regional, national, and international levels.

10% – Scholarship
  • Assigned duties for this position are expected to result in scholarly outcomes. Refer to section V of the OSU Faculty Handbook on Promotion and Tenure: https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/faculty-handbook/promotion-and-tenure-guidelines#Practice
  • Discover new knowledge and develop creative solutions and applications for problems related to aspects of field crops production and marketing and other agriculture/horticulture areas to meet community and commercial needs.
  • Research discoveries should be communicated to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and practitioners using innovative and contemporary tools in both oral and written venues, including web-based formats. Communication may include refereed journal articles, Extension publications, presentations to state, regional, and national commodity and professional groups, media, and other outlets as appropriate.
  • Scholarly and creative work is intellectual work whose significance is validated by peers and that is communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as a professional practitioner in community settings as defined by the incumbent’s position description. Refer to Oregon State University promotion guidelines for Professor of Practice for more details.

Best practice is to ensure an inclusive scholarship:
  • Including diverse perspectives on the research team, particularly among co-principal investigators.
  • Emphasizing diversity to address broadening participation in grant proposals.
  • Writing articles and books that address issues of diversity/social justice.
  • Presenting conference papers on issues of diversity/social justice.
  • Increasing the diversity of students who serve as research assistants.

5% – Service
  • Be actively involved in regional and statewide Extension programs that promote engagement with communities across the state.
  • Cooperate with agencies and organizations in the Coastal Region and other relevant locations of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Work with the Oregon Seed Certification Service on seed certification issues that arise in your assigned region.
  • Serve on College, Departmental, and/or Extension committees. Maintain active membership and involvement in professional organizations.
  • Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
What You Will Need
  • Master of Science degree in horticulture, soil science, agroecology, crop science, or another discipline that addresses the duties of the position. Degree must be completed by June 30, 2024.
  • Experience with and specialized knowledge of sustainable and agroecological approaches to agriculture.
  • Demonstrated teaching, written and oral communication skills including effective use of electronic (traditional and web-based) and printed mass media.
  • Demonstrated evidence of teaching.
  • Commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
  • 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.
  • General knowledge and ability to use computers. Evidence to meet this qualification may include: proficiency with information technology, professional office software or collaborative work platforms.
  • Ability to lead and support volunteers and coordinate the requirements of a volunteer program.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communication systems in a changing technological environment such as websites, email newsletters, social media, or other tools.
  • Ability to work as a team member with other professionals.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and evidence of good time management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management.
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain collaborations that include individuals with a diversity of expertise, skills, and backgrounds.


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.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience with Extension or other informal education delivery methods.
  • Experience or training in modern precision agriculture tools and management techniques.
  • Experience managing large collaborative projects including grant-funded projects.
  • Experience applying agricultural pesticides and/or fertilizers.
  • Experience with digital engagement strategies, including use of online content, multimedia, email campaigns, customer relationship management systems or marketing methods.
  • Life experience, education, and/or training that broaden capacity to equalize the success of or impact on under-served audiences.
  • Ability to secure external funding to support applied research and educational programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage Spanish-speaking audiences through the utilization of bi-literate and bicultural skills.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
  • Duties entail work under field conditions, including inclement weather.
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
  • Travel is required to provide educational programming and services throughout assigned counties in the Coastal region as necessary.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/14818

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P07861UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/01/2024
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 03/11/2024
Full Consideration Date 04/08/2024
Closing Date 04/22/2024
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 8, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Finalists will be required to give an open presentation which will include the distribution of their redacted resume/curriculum vitae and a short biography;
2) Cover letter must speak to each required qualification and how their experiences have prepared them to carry out the duties of this position; and
3) Diversity Initiative response, uploaded as Diversity Statement; Describe how you would use this position to advance outreach and inclusion opportunities to underserved groups throughout Columbia County and beyond.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact: Melissa Fery, [email protected]
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
 
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected] .

Similar Positions