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DepartmentSoil & Crop Sciences

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationWeslaco, Texas

Job TypeFaculty

Job Description

Extension Specialists serve as subject matter experts and use their expertise to fulfill the mission of the Agency, providing support to the Extension network at the county, district, region, and state levels. Extension Specialists both individually and in team settings plan, coordinate, develop, implement, and evaluate curricula extension education programs, and educational resources. Additionally, they are expected to perform scholarly work including, but not limited to, applied research related to their subject matter area.

Extension Soil/Agronomy Specialist

Position Description:  The Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences announces a vacancy for the position of an Assistant Professor and Extension Soils Specialist located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, TX.  The position is a 12-month, non-tenure track position responsible for leadership in development of educational programs and materials related to environmentally sustainable management of crops in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas.  The successful candidate will interact with extension Regional Program Leaders, county extension agents, and other extension specialists and research faculty to develop successful programs and educational materials designed for Texas crop growers producing crops such as, but not limited to, cotton, citrus, vegetables, grain sorghum, corn, sugarcane, forages, and other crops of interest to the region, in a sustainable manner, through improved soil, soil nutrient, and soil water management. 

The successful candidate will also be expected to interact with other Soil and Crop Science Extension specialists, Extension specialists from other disciplines, and research scientists from across Texas A&M AgriLife, other universities, and state and federal agencies to develop and translate new knowledge regarding the science of crop production.  The successful candidate will be expected to lead an extramurally funded program in soil and crop production management, publish results in refereed journals, and train graduate students as appropriate. 

Roles and responsibilities of Assistant Professors and Extension Specialists are typically as follows, but can vary depending on the department and expectations of the Associate Department Head, Department Head/Unit Leader and/or Agency leadership:

Responsibilities:

People

• Collect and synthesize information from county, regional, and statewide program development committees, clientele needs assessments, trend data, clientele organizations, and key industry leaders to guide the content, quality, and priority of programming
• Support agents with programming and content related to the subject matter expertise through program planning meetings, individual consultation, site visits with clientele, speaking at educational programs, and in other educational roles
• Coordinate with RPLs and appropriate agents programming efforts, result/demonstrations, and other activities when performed in counties
• Provide professional development opportunities and trainings and mentor and coach agents as requested by Regional Program Leaders (RPLs), District Extension Administrators (DEAs), and Associate Department Heads (ADHs) in subject matter, issues identification, and program planning areas
• Work with Agents and Agency leadership to develop and implement volunteer training activities.

Programs

• Understands the type of programmatic approaches needed to meet the needs and capabilities of different audiences for effective program planning and implementation.
• Develop and participate in disciplinary and interdisciplinary programming efforts as appropriate to adequately address the priority issues facing our stakeholders
• Work to effectively coordinate and integrate programs and, as appropriate, contribute to an Extension Coordinated Program Area
• Develop and implement evaluation strategies to assess outcomes from Extension educational programs and demonstrate evidence of program impacts (i.e., knowledge gain, behavior change, adoption of new technologies and best practices, economic impact) as measured by well-designed program evaluations
• Participate in program planning at the multi-county or regional level and convey insights to their ADH or unit leader as appropriate

Partnerships

• Provide timely and effective coordination, cooperation, and scheduling of activities with colleagues and personnel within Extension and across AgriLife, including but not limited to District Extension Administrators, Regional Program Leaders, Associate Department Heads/Program Leaders, other departmental or unit faculty/staff, County Extension Agents/staff, and AgriLife Research and College personnel.
• Engage with external groups including state and federal government agencies and stakeholder organizations and other entities to better understand issues and potential partner in addressing stakeholder needs.
• Seek grants, contacts, and other revenue sources to advance and sustain programmatic efforts in the subject area
• Member of professional organizations and societies
• Demonstrate collegiality by serving on departmental/unit, Extension and AgriLife committees, and demonstrating a track record of building effective working relationships across departments, agencies, and/or colleges

Scholarly Efforts

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs resources and materials (e.g., fact sheets, instruction manuals, educational videos, online courses, computer software programs, apps, etc.)
• Conduct applied or translational research that is in line with the Extension programming effort
• Publish creative and scholarly work in refereed journals appropriate to the faculty member’s subject matter area, and present research findings at relevant industry meetings, professional meetings, or conferences
• Support academic pursuits in the subject matter area through activities such as guest lectures, undergraduate student mentorship, student club activities, student competitive team activities, graduate student mentorship, and serving on graduate student committees.

Education and Experience:

• Preferred – doctoral degree that aligns with the programmatic work of the agency, unit and/or position
• Preferred – published research results in refereed journals

Requirements: Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, or closely related field. Candidates need to be proficient in leadership and have excellent oral and written communications skills; is skilled in the use of computers; and will be required to pass a criminal background check.  Land Grant University and Extension experience is preferred.  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer. 

Justification:  The economic impact of crop production in four counties in the Rio Grande Valley exceeds $1.6 billion annually.  Additional crops in other parts of South Texas are also an important contributor to the overall Texas economy.  Agricultural production has grown steadily in the past decade, providing income not only to growers, but the entire economy.  A scientist who understands climate smart farming practices that sustain soil health while enhancing carbon capture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be an important asset to agriculture in South Texas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in area of specialization, ability to write grant proposals to secure external funding; development and implementation of extension programming; evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journals; and participation in professional societies.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language. 
• Competence in the use of personal computers; navigating communications, team collaboration, word processing and spreadsheet software; and using appropriate statistical-analysis software is required.

For More Detailed Information:

Review the most recent edition of the Professorial Career Ladder System for Extension Specialist Faculty for more detailed information.

Reporting Line:

Extension Specialists and Program Specialists, depending on their home unit, report to an Associate Department Head and respective Department Head or Unit Leader. As applicable Regional Program Leaders and Program Area Coordinators will provide input in the specialist’s annual review.

Required:

Letter of general interest regarding Extension and the position.

Current CV

Names and e-mail addresses of three references

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Will begin reviewing applications November 1, 2023.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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