Work Location: This position will be domiciled at the Hammond Research Station in Hammond, LA, with statewide extension responsibilities for horticultural extension (vegetables) and regional responsibilities for ornamentals. Additionally, this position will have an administrative component and will serve as the coordinator of the Hammond Research Station.
Position Description: The position is 80% extension and 20% administrative. The individual will be a faculty member of the LSU AgCenter Southeast Region. The successful candidate will be expected to develop extension programs focused on horticulture specialty crops including ornamental and vegetable crops.
The faculty member will be expected to provide statewide leadership to Louisiana horticulture crops, including the nursery and landscape and vegetable industries. This includes serving as a comprehensive extension resource for new and established commercial producers and home and school vegetable gardeners. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a primary point of contact for ornamental horticulture in the Southeast Region. The incumbent will be expected to provide training for extension agents, clientele directed educational programing focused on ornamental and vegetable production, and public outreach on ornamental and vegetable production and gardening. Technology transfer and outreach to stakeholders must be accomplished with web content, social media, agricultural trade magazines and traditional extension methods (newsletters, blogs, oral delivery, and formal extension publications). Additional duties include participation in professional and technical meetings and developing and contributing to annual extension publications. The faculty member will also support regional programming for Louisiana Super Plants and the Louisiana Master Gardener program through variety trials and content development. Additionally, the faculty member will be expected to develop innovative programs for communities and school-based garden groups and provide training and support for youth and adult volunteers related to ornamental plant and vegetable production. The faculty member is responsible for working with advisory committees to identify clientele needs, and to assess program impact. The faculty member will be expected to conduct demonstration trials targeting ornamental and vegetable varieties and production practices to enhance yield and production efficiency for small scale producers and home gardeners.
The successful candidate will be expected to manage personnel and equipment resources at the Hammond Research Station. Responsibilities also will include planning and executing events on station and working with the Regional Director on budgetary matters. Participation in professional and technical meetings and other outreach is necessary to inform producers, industry personnel, and other scientists and agents of project activities and findings. This faculty member will report to the Southeast Region Regional Director. The faculty member will also be required to perform additional duties to support LSU AgCenter initiatives as needed.
Qualification Requirements: Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, or closely related field is required. Good interpersonal skills and leadership abilities are required for working effectively with diverse professional and lay audiences and cooperators. Prior administrative experience and knowledge of research station operations is preferred. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with diverse audiences including scientific peers, clientele, and agribusiness representatives.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. The candidate selected for this position may qualify for an Endowed Professorship depending on experience, academic rank, and accomplishments.
Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.
Application Deadline: March 4, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Dr. Glen Gentry
Southeast Regional Director and Resident Director
Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station
Doyle Chambers Central Research Station
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
2310 Ben Hur Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
Office Phone: (225)765-2876 Cell Phone: (225)301-7328
Email: Ggentry@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web Site: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
