Assistant Professor - Peach Extension Specialist

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number F2082P

Working Title Assistant Professor - Peach Extension Specialist

Department CAES-Horticulture

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

The Department of Horticulture at UGA consists of 44 faculty members situated in a stimulating, multi-campus environment with an excellent reputation in research, extension and teaching. The three campuses of the University of Georgia (Athens, Tifton and Griffin) are multidisciplinary, multi-agency facilities with access to well-equipped research farms throughout the state. We improve the environment, health and well-being of citizens in Georgia and around the globe using innovative research, experiential teaching and outreach to increase the profitability and sustainability of horticulture. We increase public awareness of the positive aspects of horticulture, educate the horticulture workforce, and proactively shape the future of horticulture.

Location: The position will be housed at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Griffin, Georgia, which is located 30 miles south of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, in the heart of one of the nation's fastest growing areas in the nation. The 123-acre campus is one of the premier agricultural research centers in the region, housing world-class research facilities such as the Center for Food Safety and the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center.

College/Unit/Department website https://hort.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Anticipated Start Date 01/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date 09/20/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit the following documentation: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statements of extension and research, and (5) a list of references with contact information including email address. Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Mark Czarnota, Associate Professor & Statewide Weed Extension Specialist, at mac30@uga.edu.

The selected applicant will be required to submit a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 25, 2024.

Location of Vacancy Griffin 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

A Ph.D. in horticulture or a related discipline.

Position Summary

The Department of Horticulture (www.hort.uga.edu) at the University of Georgia is seeking applicants for an Assistant Professor of Horticulture with responsibilities in the area of peach production. The position is a nine-month (with a guarantee of two months summer salary), tenure-track position with a 65% Extension, 30% Research, 5% Service appointment.

The successful candidate will be expected to 1) Develop a regionally and nationally recognized basic and applied peach horticultural research program based on industry needs. 2) Interact effectively with growers and grower organizations, industry leaders, researchers from the department or other UGA units (e.g., the UGA Peach Team, the Institute of Integrative Precision Agriculture, the Food Product Innovation & Commercialization Center), government agencies (e.g., USDA), and collaborate with other regional, national and international experts in the fields of horticulture, food science, etc. 3) Establish an active and sustained research program that includes supervision of graduate students. 4) Provide leadership in developing resource materials (i.e., outreach publications, newsletters, handbooks, videos, websites, mobile phone apps, and other interactive tools), planning and coordinating extension education events (i.e., workshops, seminars) and technical assistance in peach production for growers, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Extension Agents, and the general public. 5) Procure extramural funding and publish research findings in peer reviewed journals, and regularly participate in other scholarly and departmental activities.

The position will be housed at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Griffin, Georgia. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and experience. The offer will include an attractive startup and relocation package.

Additional Requirements

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

• A minimum of 1 year of postdoctoral experience, as well as applied research in the field of tree crop production and horticulture.
• A record of excellence in Extension.
• A background that includes formal and/or informal teaching, research, and grantsmanship.
• A record of refereed and popular press publications.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

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? Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? Yes

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) Yes

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

Posting Specific Questions

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

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
5. List of References with Contact Information
6. Research Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents