The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate (PSC) at Utah State University (USU) seeks applicants for a fiscal-year, 11-month tenure track faculty position in vegetable production. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an Extension and research program related to vegetable crop production systems in Utah reflecting Utah State University’s land grant mission. The position will have a role assignment of 70% Extension, 25% research, and 5% service.

The vegetable industry in Utah spans large, commercial onion and melon farms to intensive, small-acreage, direct-market producers. Production of vegetable crops in controlled environments, such as high tunnels and greenhouses, has also been increasing in the state. Adapting to the ever-increasing limitations of water, land, climate, and urbanization to maintain farm sustainability and viability are key challenges. USU is seeking an individual to provide leadership and support for Extension outreach and applied research that will meet these, and other emerging needs of Utah’s vegetable producers.

The Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate presents many collaborative opportunities across disciplines to meet production horticulture needs, as well as through longstanding relationships in Applied Economics, Environmental Engineering, Biology departments at USU, and the statewide Cooperative Extension system.

Review of applications will begin September 15, 2023, but applications will be accepted and fully considered after that date until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January, 2024.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide leadership of Extension programming to meet needs of Utah’s vegetable industry.
• Develop an applied research program focused on vegetable production systems that are economically viable and environmentally and socially responsible.
• Obtain competitive extramural funding.
• Publish Extension products (e.g. fact sheets, bulletins, videos) and research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate with a wide range of scientists and professionals at USU, USU Extension, other universities, and with federal, regional, and state agencies.
• Contribute to the department/college/university and profession through service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, soil science, or related field by the time of hire.
• Working knowledge, experience, and training in vegetable production.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse Extension audiences.
• Capability to develop an externally funded research program that complements Extension efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to secure research funding and publish in academic journals.
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate with various and diverse stakeholder groups.
• A recognized potential for effective collaboration with PSC and Extension faculty and staff.
• Experience in working with conventional and organic production in open field and protected cultivation systems grounded in whole plant physiology.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Statement of interest for the position including an Extension/research philosophy and commitment to diversity in those efforts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
4. Three professional references with contact information

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov