Utah State University Extension invites applications for a County Extension faculty, 12-month, tenure track or professional practice position. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs to enhance quality of life for youth and adults. Extension faculty also recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local clientele, other resource agencies, and Utah State University administrators, faculty, and programs. This Extension position includes university responsibilities and is based in Cache County.

Equine-assisted services (EAS) are provided for the community by university faculty, who are also industry-certified instructors, with the assistance of trained students, volunteers, and specially prepared horses. The EAS program is well supported through robust infrastructure, including the new Robert A. Adams Arena at the ADVS South Farm Complex, located just 15 minutes from the USU Logan main campus. This approximately 29,000 sq. ft. structure is large enough to accommodate dressage competitions and provides a dedicated space for delivering instruction and programming in equine-assisted services. The arena also houses a riding simulator studio to support instruction and research, one of only 10 in the country and the only riding simulator used in a university setting. An office will be provided at either an Extension or University location in Logan. This position reports to the Director of the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.
Cache County is located in the far northern part of Utah. Cache County’s north border abuts the south border of the state of Idaho. Cache County’s county seat is Logan where the Utah State University main campus is located. Cache County is a scenic mountain valley that offers numerous outdoor activities such as skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Cache County is a rapidly growing county, but agriculture still plays a vital role in the economy and culture of the area.

We welcome candidates with diverse interests related to Equine Science and Management, and Equine Assisted Services.

The estimated start date for this position is April 1, 2024.

Rank will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and current rank. Appointment opportunities include Extension Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure track), or Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor (non-tenure track).  A Master's degree is required for Extension Assistant or Associate ranks. A Bachelor's degree and substantial professional experience is required for the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor

• Provide leadership to Extension activities such as programming to serve veterans, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
• Partner with Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science (ADVS) faculty and faculty in the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department to obtain robust funding for applied research and community programming with external supporters, such as the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Develop and deliver a continuing education program for certification in equine assisted servies (e.g., PATH Intl.) that builds upon the basic instruction offered via the
• ADVS department certification in Equine Assisted Services.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate equine related educational programs for adults and youth.
• Develop partnerships and employ innovative approaches to reach current clientele and new audiences.
• Work with on-campus specialists in developing applied research projects, program development and delivery to clientele.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support and expand Extension programming.
• Document impacts and produce scholarly publications based on Extension programming.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Serve diverse audiences and support the civil rights mandate of Utah State University Extension.
• Serve and collaborate with other Extension and University personnel, community and government agencies, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Master’s degree (tenure track) or Bachelor’s degree with significant experience related to the position (professional practice) in Animal Science, Equine Science, Extension Education, Agriculture Education or other closely related Equine field.
• Demonstrated experience of providing adaptive riding instruction for populations with mental or physical challenges
• Experience and the necessary skills to provide equine instruction for our Veteran and Military Service Member population.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct educational programs.
• Experience in teaching adult audiences.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with federal, state, university officials/administration, and county clientel, volunteers, donors, co-workers, and students.
• Willingness to work on some holidays, weekends, and evenings, and travel as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from office and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competitive rider in any discipline with documented show experience
• PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
• Event planning experience
• Three or more years of experience as a riding instructor
• Experience caring for an equine therapy herd with demonstrated effectiveness in training and supervising others.
• Experience with program development and/or delivery related to 4-H horse programs.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Implementing applied research activities.
• Grant writing.
• Donor relations.
• Recruiting, supervising, and working with volunteers.
• Low income and under-served audiences.
• Social media.
• Developing on-line courses and managing websites.
• Related organizations/agencies and fostering positive relationships with community stakeholders.
• Prior experience with the Land Grant University System.

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. Official Transcripts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**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.  

Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is Utah’s Land-Grant Institution with an approximate enrollment of 28,000 students. Through the Extension system, the University extends research-based information across the state. Extension faculty support citizens and elected officials in all 29 Utah counties.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all 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. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. 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 04/2024

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

*updated 09/2023