Assistant/Associate Professor in Natural Resource Management

Recent Jobs; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina State University invites applications for a joint appointment position at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in Natural Resource Management. The appointment has 50% teaching within the Department of Agriculture and 50% extension/research through 1890 Research & Extension.

The successful candidate will advance the department's mission by delivering high-quality education, impactful research, and relevant extension programming to the agricultural community of South Carolina and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of: soil, land, water conservation, vegetable/fruit production, control environment agriculture.
• University-level teaching experience (instructor, TA, or guest lecturer).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Teach 50%: develop a new degree program in Natural Resource Management and teach undergrad courses.
• 50% Extension/Research: develop extension programs and maintain a funded research program.
• Mentor students and participate in committees related to curriculum and policy.
• Seek external funding to support research and outreach.

Skills

Teaching experience

Program development

Stakeholder engagement

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management (NRM)

Ph.D. in related field (soil science, plant science, horticulture, agronomy)

Job description

The Department of Agriculture in the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences at South Carolina State University invites applications for a joint appointment position at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in Natural Resource Management. The position has a 50% teaching appointment within the Department of Agriculture and a 50% extension/research appointment through 1890 Research & Extension.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing the department's mission of providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and delivering relevant extension programming to the agricultural community of South Carolina and beyond.

Responsibilities:

Teaching (50%):

• First year responsibilities will include development of a new degree program in Natural Resource Management and associated courses.
• Upon final approval of the new degree program, 50% teaching plus 50% research and Extension will be required
• Teach a variety of undergraduate courses in Natural Resource Management, which may include but are not limited to: soil science, plant science, plant breeding and genetics, horticulture, agronomy, natural resource management and/or environmental resilience to extreme weather events.
• Develop and update course curricula, syllabi, and teaching materials to reflect current industry practices and scientific advancements.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students, including academic advising, career counseling, and fostering student success in agricultural disciplines.
• Participate in departmental and university committees related to curriculum development, student affairs, and academic policy.
• Potentially develop and teach graduate-level courses if a graduate program is established.
• Serve as graduate advisor in graduate program if established.

Extension & Research (50%):

• Extension: Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative Extension programs in Natural Resource Management (NRM) tailored to the needs of limited-resource farmers, small producers, youth, and other stakeholders in South Carolina. Focus areas may include soil health, sustainable/regenerative/precision crop production, control environment agriculture, alternative marketing strategies, and value-added agriculture.
• Conduct field demonstrations, workshops, trainings, and educational events across the state.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders, commodity groups, government agencies, and other universities to address critical issues in natural resource management.
• Prepare and disseminate educational materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, online resources, and presentations.
• Research: Establish and maintain an active, extramurally funded research program focused on addressing challenges and opportunities in natural resource management, sustainable/regenerative/precision agriculture relevant to the needs of the state and region. Research areas may include but are not limited to: soil health, sustainable/regenerative/precision crop production, control environment agriculture, alternative marketing strategies, and value-added agriculture.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and potentially graduate students in research activities.
• Seek and secure external grant funding from federal, state, and private agencies to support research and outreach efforts.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management (NRM) or a closely related field (i.e. soil science, plant science, plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in at least two of the following areas: soil, land, water conservation, vegetable/fruit production, control environment agriculture.
• Evidence of effective teaching experience at the university level (as an instructor, teaching assistant, or guest lecturer).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences (students, farmers, researchers, extension personnel).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, including serving underrepresented populations and promoting agricultural sustainability.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel frequently within the state for extension activities.

Preferred:

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in securing external grant funding for research or extension programs.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering extension programming.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in South Carolina and the southeastern United States.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and agricultural communities.

SC STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Advertised: 21 Aug 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: