Assistant Professor of Agronomy - Aquatic Plant Management Specialist

Ast Prof

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position, appointed as 60% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 40% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service), available in the Agronomy Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.  The assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.  The position will be located at the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) in Gainesville, FL with access to extensive laboratory and field facilities. Tenure will accrue in the Agronomy Department.

The successful applicant will be expected to build a nationally recognized research program (60%) that focuses on developing tools and management techniques to address nuisance aquatic plants within an integrated weed management context. This will include both independent and collaborative research with other faculty within UF and other academic/governmental institutions. Studies will include relevant chemical, physical, and biological approaches to aquatic plant management and more basic studies on the biology, physiology or ecology of aquatic plants that will facilitate successful management.  The incumbent is expected to obtain extramural funding, direct graduate student research, and publish research findings in the peer reviewed scientific literature.

The extension component of this position (40%) includes successful translation and dissemination of science based aquatic plant management information through multiple formats and venues to key clientele. These include IFAS county extension faculty, state and federal agency personnel, commercial herbicide applicators, and individuals in the private sector who have an interest in the control of aquatic invasive plants. The incumbent will work closely with key federal, state, county and municipal land and water management programs including the US Army Corp of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s five Water Management Districts, the State network of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAS) and others.  Of critical importance will be recognizing public agency needs for aquatic plant management information and training and providing assistance as necessary.  Training may include assisting with short courses, workshops, in-service trainings, and development of a variety of online materials including webinars, EDIS publications (extension bulletins), newsletters, instructional videos and other formats as necessary. The incumbent has the opportunity to cooperate with educational programs developed by the CAIP Information Office and with established programs in other departments.  This position requires close coordination of research and extension programs with faculty in several other disciplines including Botany, Fisheries, Forestry, Entomology and Horticulture as well as with  faculty located at Research and Education Centers throughout the state.

The successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising and may teach courses and seminars.

Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.

OTHER INFORMATION : 

The Agronomy Department of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) has faculty working in all aspects of the discipline including invasive plant management, plant biology, physiology and ecology. The Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) maintains close relationships with many faculty working on invasive plants across UF/IFAS , which may provide extensive opportunities for multi-disciplinary projects.

Florida state agencies, water management districts, counties and other public entities spend over $50 million annually for control of invasive plants in Florida and rely heavily on IFAS faculty and staff for development of control methods and educational opportunities.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences , the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station , the Florida Cooperative Extension Service , the College of Veterinary Medicine , the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Doctor of Philosophy degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) with emphasis in weed science, natural resource management, or closely related plant science discipline with knowledge of aquatic invasive plant management. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be highly organized, and be capable of working with a variety of stakeholder groups. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values . 

Post-doctoral experience is desired but not necessary. Prior experience in aquatic invasive plant management, plant identification, and plant ecology is highly desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit supporting materials by June 24, 2024.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome.  Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to the address below.

How to Apply :

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts (official or unofficial) showing receipt of the doctoral degree
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Please refer to Requisition # 531710

Stephen Enloe

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

Professor and Extension Specialist, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

University of Florida - IFAS

7922 NW 71st Street

Gainesville, FL  32653

Telephone:                  352.339.1319

Facsimile:                    352.392.3462

E-Mail:                        [email protected]

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.