Position Information

Position Title

Assistant Professor

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Professor of Agriculture

Department

210110- Department of Agriculture

Pay Rate

Per Faculty Salary Model

FTE

1.0

FLSA

Exempt

Position Number

998338

Classification

Faculty

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Candidates must complete an on-line faculty profile found at https://jobs.ucmo.edu and apply to position 998338.

Candidates should submit (1) a cover letter that outlines the applicant's interest, qualifications, and experience for the position; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) unofficial transcripts for all awarded degrees; (4) teaching philosophy and (5) include on faculty profile the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of a minimum of three professional references. These documents must be attached to the faculty profile at the time of application. Only completed online faculty profiles with the attached documents will be accepted for this position.

If contacted for a campus interview, three (3) formal letters of reference and official transcripts for all awarded degrees will be required to issue the contract. The finalist chosen for this position will be subject to criminal background and educational verification checks.

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by April 5, 2024.

Direct inquiries regarding this position to: Search Chair, Dr. Michelle Santiago (santiago@ucmo.edu) or 660-543-4361.

For information about the on-line application process contact Human Resources at jobs@ucmo.edu or (660)543-4255.

UCM requires that all faculty applicants complete the on-line faculty profile. All documents requested must be attached to the profile at the time of application. Only completed faculty profiles with attached documents will be accepted for this position.

The University of Central Missouri is an AA/ EEO / ADA employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Working hours:

Professional Faculty Hours

Bargaining Unit

No

Work Location

Warrensburg Campus

Posting Date

03/21/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Position Purpose

The University of Central Missouri, Department of Agriculture, is seeking an energetic and flexible Assistant or Associate Professor with the ability or potential to teach applied courses in Horticulture. This 9-month, tenure-track appointment will be primarily student-centered with teaching, research, and outreach duties. In addition to effective teaching, the successful candidate will mentor students; publish in peer-reviewed journals and participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities; seek external funding opportunities; and translate research-based information into student-centered active learning opportunities. The candidate is expected to contribute to the department, college, university, and discipline with appropriate service.

Teaching responsibilities may be in the following: principles of horticulture, fruit and vegetable production, breeding and genetics, nursery/landscape plant identification, plant diseases, controlled environment agriculture, landscape design and/or turfgrass science. Courses may be delivered through traditional face-to-face, lecture/lab, and/or online.

The University of Central Missouri Department of Agriculture aims to develop well-rounded agriculture students with knowledge and skills to guide them in finding career success in the agriculture industry. Hands-on learning opportunities and science-based curriculum are cornerstones of the department. Students majoring in the department focus on Agribusiness Management, Agronomy, Animal Science, Horticultural Science or Agricultural Communication. The department also provides service courses for students majoring in Career and Technical Education, with emphasis in Agriculture Education. Indoor and outdoor horticulture learning laboratories are available through production spaces on the university farms and through department-managed greenhouses. On-campus greenhouse facilities provide over 5,000 sq. ft. of laboratory learning space utilized for classes, research, and department-sponsored student organization activities.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity employer. We accept applications from qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, or abilities. Minorities, women, disabled, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Education & Formal Training

Doctorate degree (Specify field(s) of study below)

Other Education & Formal Training

Minimum qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany or closely-related discipline. Candidates with ABD will be considered.

Computer Skills

Experience

Minimum qualifications:

• Evidence of teaching excellence in laboratory-based classes.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Potential for scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Potential for success in competitive grant writing and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful online teaching experience.
• Experience in management of controlled agriculture environment experiences (greenhouse, vertical farming, hydroponics, irrigation systems, etc.)

Special Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

Other Special Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

Minimum qualifications:

• Valid driver's license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and a willingness to travel.
• Must have or be willing to obtain Missouri certified public operator license within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to conduct research trials.
• Ability to work in a greenhouse environment.

Physical & Environmental Factors:

Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals, Lifting (weight) - 20 lbs

Special Working Conditions:

Professional appearance

Ability to Keyboard

Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you understand that the university requires a background check for this position and that any job offer made to the selected candidate is contingent upon the results of this check? (Open Ended Question)
2. * Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship to acquire or maintain U.S. work authorization?
   • Yes
   • No

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. References
3. Transcripts
4. Vitae
5. Teaching Philosophy Statement

Optional Documents