Assistant Professor: Extension Specialist Precision Agriculture Systems

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number F2032P

Working Title Assistant Professor: Extension Specialist Precision Agriculture Systems

Department CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

University of Georgia's Tifton Campus (http://tifton.caes.uga.edu/) is situated in the heart of one of the leading and most dynamic agricultural areas of the Southeast U.S. Tifton is a friendly city with a population of 17,000 located along I-75 in south-central Georgia (http://www.tifton.net/) with easy access to Atlanta's International Airport. The UGA Tifton Campus includes 7,000 acres within south Georgia inclusive of field research facilities at Alma, Attapulgus, Camilla, Lyons, Midville, Plains, and Tifton. UGA researchers also collaborate with USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists based on campus. Students attending classes on the UGA Tifton Campus can earn a UGA Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Master's Degree in Plant Protection, or other degree majors. The campus is also home to the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory, a collaborative, interdisciplinary research program that develops agricultural methods that safeguard natural resources.

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date 01/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date 07/22/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

The application deadline for full consideration is August 30, 2024, and applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are identified. Nominations are encouraged and will be accepted. Nominations, questions and/or other inquiries about the positions should be directed to Dr. Wesley M. Porter, Chair of the Search Committee (wporter@uga.edu). Materials to be uploaded include (1) a letter of application including a statement of Extension and Research philosophy, (2) curriculum vitae,

Location of Vacancy Tifton Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Assistant Professor

FLSA

Faculty Rank Assistant Professor

Contract Type Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must possess a Ph.D. in mechanical/biological/agricultural/biosystems engineering, agronomy, crop and soil sciences, or related field

Position Summary

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (CRSS) within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of Georgia is seeking an outstanding and qualified candidate for a full-time (9-month appointment with two-months of guaranteed summer salary), 75% Extension / 20% Research / 5% Service tenure-track faculty position based at the University of Georgia's Tifton Campus in Tifton, GA (http://tifton.caes.uga.edu/). The successful candidate is expected to develop local, state, regional, national, and internationally recognized programs broadly focused on the area of Precision Agriculture. Specific areas of emphasis will be based on the candidates' strengths, and will include topics such as Advanced Machinery Systems, Precision Irrigation, Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Autonomy in Agriculture, Advanced Water and Nutrient Management and other related fields and topics. The estimated start date is January 1, 2025.

Additional Requirements

Documented expertise in Precision Agriculture.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The successful candidate should have a solid background in the areas listed above, a demonstrated record of scholarship, show evidence of potential to secure extramural funding, and be able to perform and publish high quality integrated work. Excellent oral and written communication skills are critical for success in this position as it includes a large appointment in Extension. The ability and desire to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment is expected.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop strong, externally funded Extension and research programs in one or more of the following areas:
  • Utilization and implementation of precision-agriculture technologies such as yield monitors, field mapping, remote sensing, advanced data mapping and collection for site specific agriculture
  • Evaluation and education in digital agriculture for producers
  • Implementation of Precision Irrigation and Advanced Water Management Strategies directly applicable to GA producers.
  • Utilization of systems such as guidance systems for off-road vehicles and control systems and sensors for variable rate application
  • Use of drones for herbicide and seeding applications
  • Development of field experiments as related to precision technologies
  • Development and evaluation of machinery systems such as planters, fertilizer spreaders, sprayers, harvesters, tillage equipment and other equipment utilized in field operations.
  • Work with the existing UGA Precision Agriculture Team and other faculty within CAES, the College of Engineering, the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, and related disciplines to provide leadership in precision agriculture solutions to crop production in the southeastern U.S.
  • Develop both Extension and research materials which can be presented at local, regional, national and international meetings.
  • Mentor graduate students and collaborate with Georgia county agents.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
2. Research Portfolio/Philosophy