Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor-Horticulture

Utah State University; Utah; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a County Extension Horticulture Faculty to enhance the quality of life through innovative educational programs. This role involves collaborating with local communities, developing horticultural education, and managing partnerships at the Ogden Botanical Garden. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in horticulture, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in Weber and Morgan Counties while enjoying the benefits of a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field required.
• Experience in teaching and program development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Extension activities focused on horticulture and natural resources.
• Develop and evaluate educational programs for adults.

Skills

Horticulture

Public Gardens

Urban Water Conservation

Natural Resources

Teaching Adult Audiences

Communication Skills

Program Development

Social Media

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture

Master's Degree in Horticulture

Job description

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a County Extension horticulture faculty, professional practice track position. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs to enhance quality of life for youth and adults. Extension faculty also recruit, train and supervise volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local clientele, other resource agencies, and Utah State University administrators, faculty, and programs. This Extension position includes both Weber and Morgan Counties, education programming at the Ogden Botanical Garden, and university responsibilities. An office will be provided in the Weber Extension office, Ogden Botanical Gardens, and Morgan County Extension office.

The horticulture position in Weber and Morgan Counties includes working closely with the manager of the Ogden Botanical Garden and providing horticulture education in both counties. Morgan County is more rural but is experiencing rapid residential growth with increasing pressure related to water quality, water quantity and wise land use. Morgan is the county seat. Ogden is the county seat of Weber County, which is a more urban county. The Ogden Botanical Garden was established in 1994 and contains approximately fifteen acres of demonstration gardens, arboretum, and public pavilions and trails. Education programs offered include horticulture, water usage, plant problem diagnostics and other related programs.

The position requires knowledge of horticulture, public gardens, urban water conservation, and natural resources related to the growing needs and changing demographics of the counties. We welcome candidates with diverse interests and experience related to horticulture and natural resources.

Rank: Appointment opportunities include a Professional Practice faculty rank. A Bachelor’s degree in a related area is required and a Master’s degree is preferred. Relative weights are 95% Extension and 5% Service.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Extension activities focused in horticulture, Master Gardener programs, natural resources, and water conservation.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate horticulture and/or natural resource programs for adults.
• Direct educational horticulture programming at the Ogden Botanical Garden.
• Develop partnerships and employ innovative approaches to reach existing clientele and new audiences, such as the creation of on-line and virtual courses and use of social media platforms.
• Work with on-campus specialists in developing applied research projects and delivering programs to clientele.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support Extension programming and the Ogden Botanical Garden.
• Document impacts and produce scholarly publications based on Extension programming.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Partner with and serve diverse audiences and support the civil rights mandate of Utah State University Extension.
• Serve and collaborate with other Extension and University personnel, community and government agencies, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, natural resources, agronomy, Extension education, or another closely related field.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct educational programs.
• Experience in teaching adult audiences.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to act as a liaison between federal, state, university, and county clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An earned master’s degree in horticulture, plant science, natural resources, agronomy, Extension education, or another closely related field.
• Experience with program development and/or delivery related to horticulture, public gardens, natural resources, and water conservation.
• Experience with program development and/or delivery related to the Master Gardener program.
• Previous experience working in Extension.
• Experience with Botanical Gardens.
• Prior experience with the land grant university system.
• Ability to converse and write in Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Skills and experience with implementing applied research activities.
• Skills and experience with grant writing.
• Skills and experience with recruiting, supervising, and working with volunteers.
• Skills and experience with social media.
• Skills and experience in developing online courses.
• Skills and experience with related organizations/agencies and fostering positive relationships with community stakeholders.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10"

Transcript(s)to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10"

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is Utah’s land grant institution with an approximate enrollment of 28,000 students. Through the Extension system, the university extends research-based information across the state. Extension faculty support elected officials and citizens in all Utah’s 29 counties. Utah State University is sensitive to the needs of dual-career couples. Weber County specific information is available at: https://webercountyutah.gov/. Morgan County specific information is available at: https://www.morgancountyutah.gov/. Information on the Ogden Botanical Garden is. Available at: https://extension.usu.edu/ogdenbotanicalgardens/

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 02/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of EquityMatthew Pinner,[e-mail],Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX CoordinatorCody Carmichael,[e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visithttps://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education,Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,800-421-3481,[e-mail]

*updated 09/2023