Department Head, Plant Sciences

Department Head, Plant Sciences; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks a full-time 12-month Department Head for the Plant Sciences Department (PLSC). The role leads a team of tenure-line faculty, lecturers, and staff, overseeing teaching, research, and industry engagement.

The Department Head will guide faculty workload, budget, facilities, and curriculum development, while advancing fundraising and institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in crop science, plant science, horticultural science, entomology, plant pathology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated distinguished record for tenure at Full Professor within Plant Sciences.
• Proven leadership and management of students, faculty, staff, and community; strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to inclusive learning and working environment; nondiscrimination.
• Strong scholarly record including publications, grants, and interdisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead faculty and staff hiring, development, mentoring, and workload planning.
• Oversee advancement and fundraising activities for the department.
• Manage budget, facilities, and departmental resources.
• Guide curriculum development, assessment, and strategic planning.
• Involve in teaching undergraduate and potentially graduate courses in Plant Sciences; engage in scholarly activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Fundraising

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in crop science / plant science / horticultural science

Job description

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking a full-time 12-month Department Head for its Plant Sciences Department (PLSC).

This position has a starting date of approximately June 1, 2027 or sooner as agreed upon by the dean and finalist. The Department Head is a tenured faculty position and will provide leadership for all academic and administrative functions including instruction, research, and alumni, donor and industry engagement. The Department Head leads a talented team of 7 tenure-line faculty, approximately 7 full-time and part-time lecturers, and 7 office and technical staff , all of whom engage with approximately 250 undergraduate students and approximately 20 graduate students. The Department Head has oversight of and intersection with several specialized teaching and research facilities and ranches, orchards and fields, including a new Plant Sciences Complex , horticulture greenhouses, an arboretum, citrus and avocado groves, conventional and organic fields, and more. This position will provide leadership for the Plant Sciences Department in the following areas:

• Faculty and staff hiring, development, mentoring, and workload assignments
• Advancement and fundraising
• Management of budget, facilities, and departmental resources
• Departmental curriculum development, assessment, and strategic planning
• Equal-opportunity, accessibility, and nondiscrimination initiatives that foster a respectful and inclusive academic environment for all
• The Cal Poly community promotes a "teacher-scholar model," which emphasizes scholarly activities and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and potentially graduate courses in the Plant Sciences program. They will be expected to engage in scholarly activities (i.e., research, publishing, presenting, and grant or contract writing). Additional duties will include mentoring students, and participating in University, College, and Departmental committees, service, and other activities.

Department Head appointments and 12-month assignments are made and continue at the pleasure of the College Dean. This is a tenured position within the Plant Sciences Department. Appointments with tenure shall be made only after an evaluation and recommendation by tenured faculty in the appropriate department. Tenure is given only in the instructional portion of the position, which includes teaching, research, and service. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in crop science, plant science, horticultural science, entomology, plant pathology or a closely related field
• Distinguished record of achievement in Plant Sciences related fields, and qualifications appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor within the department
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and management of students, faculty, staff, and community, and strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory learning and working environment for all students, staff, and faculty
• Strong professional record of academic achievement, including publications, grants, presentations, and interdisciplinary projects across the industry
• Strong commitment to, and, demonstrated teaching excellence in a variety of modalities
• A broad-based knowledge of the plant sciences industry in areas such as crop science, horticultural science, entomology, and plant pathology
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative priority setting and decision‑making, as well as faculty mentorship and professional development
• Demonstrated experience in carrying out CAFES’ mission through an appropriate combination of teaching, research, and advancement
• Demonstrated ability to manage resources and solve problems with creativity and innovation
• Ability to interact with Plant Sciences stakeholders in developing research and industry initiatives of local, regional, national and global importance
• Evidence of leading institutional advancement and fundraising
• Outstanding written and verbal English communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in successfully allocating, directing, and monitoring annual budgets
• Evidence of working collaboratively with partners including industry, local, state, or federal government agencies, non‑governmental organizations, and advisory councils
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and coordinating a center, institute, or research lab
• Familiarity with instructional technology, the science of teaching and learning, and online pedagogy
• A track record of effectiveness in teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses and overseeing comprehensive curriculum development
• International experience or the desire to cultivate international partnerships
• Experience working with underrepresented students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring, or the community