Work Location: School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, LSU Campus, Baton Rouge LA 70803.
Position Description: This is a tenure track, 80% extension, 20% research position. The faculty member will be expected to provide statewide leadership to Louisiana vegetable industries, specifically, in the growth and development of small-scale vegetable production and home and school vegetable gardens. This includes serving as a comprehensive extension resource for new and established commercial producers and home and school vegetable gardeners. The incumbent will be expected to provide training for extension agents, clientele directed educational programing focused on vegetable production, and public outreach on 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 vegetable extension publications. The faculty member will also support regional gardening programming for the Louisiana Master Gardener program through content development. Additionally, the faculty member will be expected to develop innovative gardening programs for communities and school-based garden groups and provide training and support for youth and adult volunteers related to vegetable production and gardening. The faculty member is responsible for working with advisory committees to identify clientele needs, to develop research programs that respond to those needs, and to assess program impact.
Research responsibilities include conducting research and demonstration trials targeting vegetable varieties and production practices to enhance yield and production efficiency for small scale producers and home gardeners. It is expected that the faculty member will publish research findings in peer reviewed journal articles, trade journals and on web-based platforms.
The successful candidate will be expected to manage personnel and equipment resources. Responsibilities also will include participation in professional and technical meetings and other outreach as is necessary to inform producers, industry personnel, and other research scientists and agents of project activities and findings. This faculty member will report to the Director of the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. 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 a closely related field is required. Documented training in vegetable crops production practices is critical to the success of the position. Applicants should have demonstrated effective oral, written, and electronic communication skills necessary for presentations to a variety of audiences. Evidence of successful grantsmanship, research activity, and stakeholder interaction will be important considerations. The ability to multi-task and work in a team environment with research and extension faculty representing other disciplines is critical. A working knowledge of U.S. vegetable crops industries is beneficial.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. 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), 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.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024 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 a single PDF file 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. David Picha
Director, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences
104-B Sturgis Hall
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Telephone: 225-578-1032
Email: dpicha@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.
