Assistant Professor (Practice): Agronomy

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC), part of Oregon State University, invites applications for a full-time, 12-month fixed-term Assistant Professor (Practice) in field crop agronomy, focusing on soil health, plant nutrition, and irrigation management. The position is based in Hermiston, Oregon with an academic home in the Department of Crop and Soil Science.

The appointee will develop an Extension and applied research program addressing soil, nutrient, and irrigation

Qualifications

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, or closely related field.
• Excellence in extension teaching and informal education delivery.
• Knowledge in soil, nutrient and/or irrigation management.
• Applied research skills in crop production; able to independently conduct and manage field operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with broad and diverse audiences.
• Possess or obtain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months.
• Commitment to inclusive learning environments.
• Collaborate and cooperate effectively within a team.
• Serve constituents from diverse backgrounds and with different life experiences.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Diverse audiences understanding

Extension teaching

Research program development

Education

PhD in agronomy/soil science

Job description

Department:

Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center

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 on 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.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

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.

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

• 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

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

Fair Chance Employer Statement:

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.