Assistant Professor (Practice): Agronomy

OSU Oregon State University; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

OSU pays 95% of premiums

Retirement savings plan

Generous leave package

Tuition reduction benefits

Job summary

Oregon State University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Assistant Professor (Practice) position at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The appointee will lead an Extension and applied research program in field crop agronomy with emphasis on soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management for crops like potato, onions, mint, alfalfa, wheat, corn, and grass seed.

The role requires a PhD in agronomy or soil science, excellence in extension teaching,

Qualifications

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in extension teaching and other informal education delivery methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge in soil, nutrient and/or irrigation management.
• Demonstrated applied research skills in crop production and independent field operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with broad and diverse audiences.
• Ability to obtain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment.
• Commitment to inclusive, safe, and welcoming learning environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Ability to serve constituents from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Extension teaching and related assignments.
• Applied research.
• Scholarly outcomes.
• Service.

Skills

Extension teaching

Irrigation management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in agronomy or soil science

Job description

Job Summary

The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor (Practice) position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position is located at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC)(https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/harec) in Hermiston, Oregon, with an academic home in the Department of Crop and Soil Science. Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate. The faculty member will lead an Extension and applied research program in field crop agronomy, with expertise in soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management, complementing the station's existing strengths in potato breeding and pest management. The program will focus on soil, nutrient, and irrigation management for the region's high-value crops, including potato, onions, mint, alfalfa, wheat, corn, and grass seed. The faculty member will also work with industry partners and regulatory agencies to develop environmentally sustainable and economically viable strategies for managing reused water and by-products from agricultural processing facilities. They are expected to collaborate with HAREC colleagues, regional Extension faculty, and OSU researchers statewide to address crop production challenges across the Columbia Basin, and to actively pursue external funding to support research and Extension programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Extension teaching and related assignments
• Applied research
• Scholarly outcomes
• Service

Required Qualifications

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in extension teaching and other informal education delivery methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge in soil, nutrient and/or irrigation management.
• Demonstrated applied research skills in crop production, including skills to independently conduct and manage all field operations related to an active field research program
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate successfully with broad and diverse audiences.
• Possess or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• Evidence of a commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and cooperate effectively within a team.
• Demonstrated ability to serve constituents from different backgrounds and with different life experiences, particularly members of minoritized communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multiple years of experience in potato production systems or other irrigated cropping systems with relevance to the Columbia Basin.
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of center-pivot irrigation systems.
• Demonstrated applied research experience on nutrient management to reduce nitrate leaching and groundwater contamination.
• Proficiency in modern agricultural technology methodologies and applications, such as artificial intelligence applications in agricultural production.
• Demonstrated experience working with grower groups and regulatory agencies in developing policy.
• Demonstrated experience in understanding program advisory committees.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding for program research, operations, development, and enhancement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to scholarly activity evidenced by publications in refereed journals, books, and/or electronic media.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communications tools and systems, including websites, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.
• Ability to incorporate multiple cultural perspectives in educational design and delivery.
• Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences.
• Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences.

Working Conditions/Schedule

Work activities will take place outdoors and other settings, including inclement weather. Flexibility to perform work in a variety of office and work settings. Evenings and weekends may be required based on events and other educational programming needs. Ability to transport (lift/carry/push/pull) field and other educational equipment/materials is required.

Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.

Anticipated Start Date: 2026-12-01

Anticipated End Date: 2027-06-30

When applying, please keep in mind this posting will close at 11:59 pm the night before the posted "end date". Applications MUST be submitted prior to this deadline.

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Benefits

• 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.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical care insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

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