North Dakota University System

Position Information

Faculty Position Description:

Extension Agronomist for Broadleaf Crops, Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University

Academic Rank: Assistant Professor or Associate Professor

FTE: Extension (90%) and applied research (10%). Contract Term: 12 months 

Position Description & Details:

NDSU Extension and the Department of Plant Sciences are seeking a highly motivated individual for a 12-month, tenure track faculty position with responsibilities for Extension (90%) and applied research (10%) in Extension agronomy for broadleaf crops. This position is funded primarily by NDSU Extension and is housed in the NDSU Department of Plant Sciences in Fargo. The successful applicant will utilize traditional and emerging communication platforms and techniques to develop a nationally recognized Extension and applied research program that delivers programs to producers and stakeholders in North Dakota and the upper Great Plains. The successful applicant will collaborate with researchers, Extension personnel, producers, commodity groups, state and Federal agencies, industrial partners, and others as appropriate. Travel is expected. This position includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities: 

• Lead a statewide educational program focusing on enhancing the productivity and profitability of broadleaf crops including soybean, canola, sunflower, dry edible bean, pea, flax, lentil, and other alternative broadleaf crops (excluding alfalfa, clover, sugarbeet, and potato).
• Develop an innovative Extension program that includes the identification, assessment, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs that will facilitate the development of Extension programming opportunities for Extension agents, crop producers, landowners, managers, and government entities regarding the production of broadleaf crops in North Dakota.
• Provide in-service training for county Extension agents, area specialists, ag-consultants, and government agricultural employees in broadleaf crop production practices.
• Prepare Extension materials including circulars, bulletins, website materials, and electronic delivery materials to further educational agronomy Extension programs; and utilize face-to-face meetings, educational events, TV, radio, newspapers, magazine news articles, and electronic media to deliver content.
• Identify research gaps for broad leaf crops grown in North Dakota and secure extramural funding to support field applied-research experiments and Extension programs to address questions unique to the region relating to the enhancement of broadleaf crop production.
• Assist in the operation and growth of the Department of Plant Sciences; the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Natural Resources (CAFSNR); NDSU; the scientific community; and those in regional agriculture through service on selected committees.
• Collaborate with other faculty members, NDSU Research Extension Center scientists, Extension agents, government agencies, commodity groups and industry partners to foster interdisciplinary research projects.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and attend scientific and professional development meetings to present research and Extension programming.
• Advise and mentor graduate students in broadleaf crop production research.
• Supervise support staff in applied research activities.

Minimum qualifications include: 

• Ph.D. in agronomy, crop science, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Experience working effectively and collegially with university faculty, Extension staff, farmers, producers and commodity groups, the media, and/or the public.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of collaborative efforts.
• Demonstrated experience in operating software computer applications and technology to meet position requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel distances that require overnight stays to perform position duties.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for and acquire grant funding to support research and Extension outreach activities.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully conduct and publish applied research in peer-reviewed journals and take this information to develop Extension programs and articles.
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, including growers, industry, commodity groups, and government entities.
• Valid US driver’s license or equivalent.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with Northern Plains agriculture or crops, including but not limited to tillage systems, tile drainage, fertility, variety selection, seed production, and/or cultural management practices.
• Demonstrated experience designing and providing educational programs for Extension agents, Extension crop specialists, producers/farmers, or crop advisors. 
• Experience with social media, virtual delivery platforms, and other technology to provide educational experiences to ag audiences.

Advertised Salary: The position offers a competitive salary which is commensurate with experience. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information on the benefits package can be found at: https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Applicant Materials Required:

• A one-page cover letter stating how the candidate might meet the minimum qualifications.
• A detailed curriculum vitae including the list of scientific publications.
• Contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
• A one-page position vision statement describing your Extension and research philosophies for this position.

For further inquiries about this position, please e-mail Dr. Andrew Robinson, Search Committee Chair, at andrew.p.robinson@ndsu.edu.

Application Deadline: Initial screening of applicants will begin on January 10, 2024, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Applications received by the screening date will be ensured full consideration.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region. (see www.ndsu.edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com’s top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall. 

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

With energy and momentum, North Dakota State University addresses the needs and aspirations of people in a changing world by building on our land-grant foundation.

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.