Extension Field Crops Assistant Professor of Practice

The Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement and the College of Agricultural Sciences invite applications for a Field Crops Assistant Professor of Practice position. This is a 12-month, full-time, fixed-term position with the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Program in Malheur County, Oregon. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Regional Director, Department Head, and Program Leader.

 This Field Crops Assistant Professor (Practice) position is with the Division of Extension and Engagement’s (division) Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources program and will serve Malheur County. The academic home for this position will be the Department of Crop and Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University. Active contributions to scholarship are required (refer to the scholarship section, below, for details).

As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, Oregon State University (OSU) mission is to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. This position contributes to the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences, with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program and educational material development, delivery, and evaluation, and for conducting applied research to support Extension activities.

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership in the development, implementation, synthesis, and evaluation of Extension and applied research in crop production systems in Malheur County. This faculty member is the OSU Extension Agriculture spokesperson for the Treasure Valley agriculture and must have an in-depth understanding of the cropping systems of the area to serve as a technical advisor for local industry groups and provide science and research-based guidance to other governmental agencies that work on policies influencing the natural resource industries of the county. This position especially will work on the “minor crops” on a national level (onions, alfalfa seed, dry beans, etc.) that are the backbone of agriculture in Malheur County. Given this minor crop status, maintaining current and seeking new local pesticide registrations is critical to maintenance of agricultural industry success in the County. This individual must assist in doing needed applied research and paperwork to obtain local pesticide labels. This work is done in cooperation with other OSU and University of Idaho faculty in the Treasure Valley.

In addition, this position is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining and/or carrying out educational programming and outreach activities to serve broad and diverse populations in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. This includes complying with civil rights and language/visual access regulations.

Oregon State University is committed to practicing and delivery of tools for state-of-the-science interaction and engagement of partners and stakeholders. This faculty member is required to use modern learning and outreach tools including online and hybrid classes, multimedia and digital communications, employ and practice engaged scholarship, promote integration of programs across disciplines that are demand-driven and use open-source tools that continually align with innovation and shifts in educational program delivery. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.

The division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing learner success by engaging them in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Engagement are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for broad and diverse audiences.

Active and effective communication with colleagues and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position. This position will require driving/traveling throughout Malheur County and, as necessary, the Eastern region.

About Malheur County:

Malheur County is one of 36 counties in Oregon and is located in Eastern Oregon. Malheur County is also one of 10 Oregon counties to be identified as frontier. The Extension Service in Malheur County offers research-based information to strengthen communities, improve lives and manage resources with programs in 4-H Youth Development, Family & Community Health, Field & Forage Crops, and Livestock & Rangeland Management. To learn more about OSU Extension Malheur County, visit: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/malheur.

About the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (ASNR) Program:

The ASNR program aims to promote improvements in the economic, environmental and social well-being of Oregon residents. The ASNR program serves broad and diverse audiences in Oregon communities having specialized interests by delivering information through faculty who have a presence in 36 county offices, 11 branch agricultural experiment stations at 15 locations, and who represent 11 academic departments at Oregon State University. To learn more about our ASNR program, please visit: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/main/agricultural-sciences-and-natural-resources-extension-program.

About the Division:
The Division of Extension and Engagement (division) is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our division and its core units and initiatives, please visit: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.

Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities, and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU division’s educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people. OSU division prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. All employees are responsible for and expected to comply with Civil Rights obligations and actively work to expand access to all eligible populations.

Position Duties

70% – Extension Programming

a) Extension Teaching

• Utilize Oregon State University’s six principles of teaching excellence that include audience consideration, planning, enhanced engagement, teaching, assessment, and reflection to provide a high level of non-credit teaching for extension audiences.
• Conduct on-going needs-assessment activities to determine the educational needs specific to this position’s broad and diverse audiences.
• Following a prioritized needs assessment, develop, facilitate, and implement comprehensive non-credit educational programs and materials on crop production systems with a focus on onions and potatoes.
• Utilize a variety of non-credit teaching and engagement opportunities (online and face-to-face) to convey useful information to Extension audiences.
• Create innovative educational materials and use effective Extension teaching methods that meet clientele needs, with materials, methods, and outcomes shared with peers in the state, region, and/or nation.
• Design Extension programs that can be offered centrally or online to maximize client participation across Oregon and beyond. Develop programs in a culturally inclusive and socially cognizant manner to reach broad and diverse audiences.
• Extension teaching methods may include but not be limited to classroom teaching, workshops, seminars, online teaching, hybrid teaching, etc.
• Meet the information needs of local and regional audiences by accessing information from a variety of sources and disseminating it through appropriate mechanisms (internet, newsletter, newspaper, radio, television, presentations, etc.).
• Design or adapt a clear evaluation protocol to evaluate and to report research and Extension program impacts locally, regionally and/or internationally.
• Use technology as a tool to increase the reach and impact of program delivery for constituents including participating in Ask-Extension and using the division’s customer relationship management system.
• Develop and maintain efficient methods for addressing high volumes of topically repetitive clientele inquiries through Extension publications, videos, and other digital communications and engagement tools and strategies. Develop information for access by audiences with different communication styles and expectations.
• Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.
• Extension teaching may also involve providing one-on-one consultation and educational programs to broad and diverse audiences depending on their needs.
• Engage and contribute to opportunities to enhance access, inclusion, and relevant best practices as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, Extension, and service. Outputs and impacts of these efforts be included in annual plan of work, impact statements, summary of accomplishments/achievements, and promotion dossiers.
• Create accessible and inclusive environments that make space for a range of learner needs and provide reasonable accommodations.
• Solicit peer teaching evaluations and community evaluations of teaching.
• Conduct and coordinate local pesticide recertification efforts for stakeholders as well as answer or refer to other OSU specialists any pesticide related questions from the public. Work across all crops grown in the Treasure Valley, including new and minor crops, to maintain and obtain required pesticide registrations. Be the point person for new and emerging alternative crops for the county.
• Maintain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License throughout employment to stay up to date with the science of pesticides and answer pesticide related questions.
• Travel/driving is required to access and engage stakeholders throughout the assigned region.

b) Partnerships/Collaboration/Networking

• Develop networks of formal and informal interest groups in subject matter areas where appropriate. Utilize partnerships with broad and diverse interest groups to provide advisory support and to enhance program quality and delivery. This will likely include Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), EPA, pesticide companies, and department of agriculture in Idaho and Washington States.
• Organize and maintain program advisory and management committees to help identify program needs, make recommendations, assist in program implementation, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Identify program needs and priorities by engaging partners and stakeholders. Collaborate with other researchers and Extension faculty and private and public agencies to develop relevant science-based solutions to address prioritized challenges and opportunities.
• Engage with community-based and regional organizations to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development within local, regional, or state boundaries as appropriate.

 c) Accountability

• Develop annual plans of work that address educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of Extension educational and applied research programs materials and digital communications.
• Measure and report regularly on program impact in the Faculty Success online platform.
• Implement fee-based programming and cost-recovery practices to support and enhance program delivery.
• Serve as a team member of the applicable Extension working groups, as well as other workgroups related to the duties of this position.
• Keep records and provide necessary reports to the Division’s Administration, the department and/or college, including plans of work, narrative reports, impact statements, statistical reports, and reports of accomplishments.
• Report outputs and outcomes to Extension regional director for Eastern Oregon, and elected officials (where applicable) in the areas served.
• Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers with relevant, science-based topical information when requested.
• Utilize appropriate and effective methods of communication to promote Extension programs and market Extension across Oregon and nationally.
• Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing, and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
• Complete the division’s civil rights training session(s).
• Create accessible and inclusive environments that make space for a range of learner needs and provide reasonable accommodations.

15% – Applied Research

• Conduct appropriate applied research activities that support Extension non-credit programming to develop or confirm management practices in areas of specific need and clientele interest.
• Evaluate and document applied research and Extension impacts of programs and communicate the results to target audiences.
• Collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs in field crops (onions).
• Communicate applied research outcomes to relevant audiences using peer reviewed publications, professional meetings, commodity group presentations, extension events and other digital communication and engagement tools and systems.
• Design or adapt a clear evaluation protocol to evaluate and report applied research program impacts.
• Individually and as part of teams, secure outside grants, and contracts and/or service fees to support and enhance position-appropriate educational and applied research programs and service activities. The faculty member will be expected to meet all reporting requirements of the funding sources, department, college, and university.
• Keep abreast of, and interpret scientific, technological and industry developments and trends at state, regional, national, and international levels.

10% – Scholarship

Assigned duties for this position are expected to result in scholarly outcomes. Refer to section V of the OSU Faculty Handbook on Promotion and Tenure: https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/faculty-handbook/promotion-and-tenure-guidelines#Practice

Discover new knowledge and develop creative solutions and applications for problems related to aspects of onions production.

Research discoveries should be communicated to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and practitioners using innovative and contemporary tools in both oral and written venues, including web-based formats. Communication may include refereed journal articles, Extension publications, presentations to state, regional, and national commodity and professional groups, media, and other outlets as appropriate.

Scholarly and creative work is intellectual work whose significance is validated by peers and that is communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as a professional practitioner in community settings as defined by the incumbent’s position description.

To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. These are typically of the two types shown below but as our communication worlds change, other types of scholarship may fit these durability and findable criteria:

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals which might encompass description and evaluation of novel community-based professional practice or research application, program development and innovation, outcomes of innovative programs and/or services, definitive professional practice reviews, or case reports, among others.
• Authorship of extension publications, local or regional “practice” publications, book chapters, other educational materials, and digital media if it is either peer reviewed before dissemination or if there is evidence of its adoption and use by peers.

To achieve promotion, there must be an on-going record that both of these types of scholarship are being done though each does not need to be present in every year of record. Documentation must also be provided that shows these scholarly outputs have had an impact. These durable, web-findable materials may be augmented by other forms of peer validation such as the following:

• Invited presentations, poster and podium presentations, and published abstracts and/or proceedings at state, regional and national levels, provided that evidence of peer validation is provided.
• Documented impact due to local or regional adoption of improved practices, methods, or programs.
• Secured competitive grants and contracts appropriate for the scope and focus of the faculty member’s position.
• Named inventor of a protected intellectual property in the faculty member’s field.
• Recognition as a professional practitioner in community settings as demonstrated by
• honorary degrees
• awards recognizing community, professional and/or scientific achievements
• fellowships in national professional and/or scientific organizations
• requests to serve as a technical advisor to government agencies, industry, or professional groups

Best practice to ensure scholarship is durable and web-findable:

• Participating in the periodic review of published website content for accuracy, readability and relevancy
• Utilizing library and open-source resources for cataloging, citing and archiving
• Tagging, curating, descriptive titles and other methods to ensure scholarship displays where and how web visitors may look for it
• Sharing with peers, partners and media to encourage links to it from other websites and media sources

Best practice is to ensure an inclusive scholarship:

• Including diverse perspectives on the research team, particularly among co-principal investigators
• Emphasizing diversity to address broadening participation in grant proposals
• Writing articles and books that address issues of diversity/social justice
• Presenting conference papers on issues of diversity/social justice
• Increasing the diversity of students who serve as research assistants

5% – Service

• Be actively involved in regional and statewide Extension programs that promote engagement with communities across the state.
• Cooperate with agencies and organizations in Oregon as well as surrounding states of Idaho and Washington.
• Serve on College, Departmental, and/or Extension committees.
• Maintain active membership and involvement in professional organizations.
• Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
• Provide mentorship for newer faculty and students where applicable.
• Assist in cohesive marketing of Extension locally, regionally, and statewide.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, plant protection or another discipline that addresses the duties of the position. Degree must be completed by start date.
• Strong background and experience in crop production.
• Demonstrated teaching (formal and/or informal) skills that are appropriate for adult learners and volunteers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to communicate successfully with a broad and diverse audience.
• Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.
• General knowledge and ability to use computers, including proficiency with information technology, professional office software, and collaborative work platforms.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communications tools and systems, including websites, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.
• Ability to work as a team member with other professionals.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and evidence of successful time management skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate non-formal education programs.
• A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• Experience with Extension or other informal or community education.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Pest management (vertebrates, insects, weeds, or diseases) training or experience and familiarity with pesticide registration procedures.
• Practical applied research skills including the use of crop research equipment (e.g., weigh wagon, sprayer, fertilizer spreader, ATV, tractor, irrigation equipment).
• Experience applying agricultural pesticides and/or fertilizers.
• Experience with onion and/or potato production.
• Experience expanding opportunities for people with varying backgrounds, needs, and identities in a professional field or workplace.
• Ability to secure external funding to support applied research and educational programs.

Working Conditions/Work Schedule

• Duties entail work under field conditions, including inclement weather.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to transport (lift/carry/push/pull) field and other educational equipment/materials weighing up to 40 lbs. is required.
• Travel/driving is required to provide educational programming and services throughout Malheur County and, as necessary, in the Eastern region.

Benefits

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

To review posting and apply, go to: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/161673. Apply to posting # P08632UF. Closes 12/3/2024. OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled.