INTRODUCTION

This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.

CAHNR has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and Extension programs in the years 2020-2025. Faculty hired for this position will be expected to make significant contributions in their area of expertise, contributing to the advancement of one or more of the CAHNR’s five strategic priorities https://cahnr.uconn.edu/visionandvalues:

• Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply
• Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally and globally
• Fostering sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces
• Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate
• Dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity, inclusion, and belonging by advocating for anti-racist policies, practices, and norms

The Department of Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources works collaboratively with partners in all 169 municipalities across Connecticut, throughout the northeast region, and beyond. It is a non-tenuring unit with 35 faculty, and 50 program and administrative staff. Additional grant-specific program personnel assist in solving problems and enhancing the well-being of our state population where they live, work, and learn. Programs carried out by the Department constitute the majority of activity of the UConn Extension System. Faculty and staff conduct educational activities through eight county/community-based centers and may be co-located with additional community/agency-based working partners.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will work with greenhouse growers and collaborate regionally in developing educational programming and related resources that support climate-smart production practices to reduce risk from climate-related stress on soils. Working with growers in greenhouses will be expected. Focus areas may include vertical farming, hydroponic systems, plant propagation, fertilization, irrigation, growth regulator use, plug and liner production, integrated pest management, or other practices. The successful individual will have opportunities to address vegetables, bedding plants, and new and emerging crops grown in greenhouses. They will be expected to work in teams advancing emerging markets, expanding CEA applications for urban farming, and advancing digital growing technologies through automation, remote sensing, modeling, and data analysis. 

This position will work with a diverse range of farm businesses, from large greenhouse ranges to small-scale operations. The successful candidate will be expected to serve current stakeholders and broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; and provide leadership in developing techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interest. The successful applicant will demonstrate leadership skills for serving on state boards, councils, and committees where stakeholders and experts collaborate to address complex systems together.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned master’s degree in horticultural science, plant science, soil science, agricultural engineering, entomology or nematology, or closely related disciplines.
• For the Assistant Extension Educator title, at least two years of experience is required and to be considered for the Associate Extension Educator title at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Educator or the equivalent is required. 
• Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
• Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess adequate physical stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
• Experience serving in leadership positions, particularly within an agricultural context.
• Experience working with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.
• Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of Spring 2024 and a generous benefits package. The successful candidate’s work location is negotiable in either our Torrington or Brooklyn Extension offices. For more information on benefits, go to: http://www.hr.uconn.edu/benefits/index.html. Starting salary and position rank for this position will be commensurate with training and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25617 and submit the following application materials:

• Cover letter summarizing how your qualifications and experience meet the position requirements (maximum two pages).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement on Equity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (maximum one page).
• Names and contact information for at least three references including emails.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a successful candidate is selected. Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Bonnie Burr, bonnie.burr@uconn.edu

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by building a culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. 

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.