POSITION: Extension Faculty, Field Crops & Horticulture (1.0 FTE)

RANK: Assistant Professor

TENURE: 75% tenure track appointment and 25% allocated annually depending on funding availability

POSITION AVAILABLE: July 1, 2006

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 26, 2006

LOCATION: Klamath County (Klamath Falls)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Klamath County, Oregon, is located just east of the Cascade Mountains and just north of the Oregon-California border. In area, Klamath County is the fourth largest county in Oregon. Klamath Falls (pop 18,000), the county seat and largest city, is located in the south central portion of the county at an elevation of 4100 feet. Klamath Falls sits on the southern shore of Upper Klamath Lake, the largest body of fresh water in the northwest covering 133 square miles. Klamath County is an extremely diverse area. Geographically, it stretches from the snow-capped mountains in the west to the high desert country in the east. Economically, lumber and agriculture, which drew most of the early settlers to the area, today share the scene with high tech manufacturing facilities, diverse retail and service establishments, modern educational and medical facilities and rail, truck and air transportation operations. The Klamath County of today is a modern, progressive area offering economic opportunities and conveniences often found only in much more cosmopolitan settings.

This position will support agricultural and horticultural (both commercial and urban) industries in the county. The cropping systems specialist will work with producers, related agencies and organizations and the general public to develop management strategies that meet landowner goals including production, marketing, integrated pest management, soil health and most efficient water use and quality. The position includes both extension programming and applied research activities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide leadership for cropping systems educational programming for field and horticultural crop producers, field personnel and Ag suppliers including production, management, and marketing information.
2. Provide leadership for cropping systems applied research. With assistance from experiment station staff and OSU cooperators, manage small plot variety trials for agronomic and horticultural crops.
3. Working with local experiment station personnel and clientele, conduct applied research to address cropping systems concerns and opportunities. Lead efforts to disseminate research results.
4. Provide leadership and program support for the Klamath County Master Gardener Program, and supervise a Master Gardener program assistant.
5. Assist with pesticide use training, for both commercial and private applicators, and assist local clientele in obtaining needed pesticide registrations for crop production.
6. Assist Klamath County producers and land owners with appropriate information to ensure that they have the necessary tools to maintain a healthy watershed while maintaining economically viable farming operations.
7. Determine program needs and priorities through use of local advisory groups.
8. Explore and develop appropriate information and program delivery systems utilizing existing research from disciplines associated with agriculture, education, marketing, community development and environmental management for various cooperator groups. Potential tools include email lists, web pages, publications and fact sheets, workshops, demonstrations and field days.
9. Be an active member of appropriate OSUES working groups and organizations working on related issues.
10. Secure outside funding for applied research and extension activities.
11. Respond to or refer routine phone, correspondence and walk in questions related to all aspects of field crop, horticultural and new crop management.
12. Report outcomes of educational programs and activities to administrators, clients and other funding sources. Keep records and provide necessary reports to Extension Administration, academic and budgetary units, and CAS including plans of work, reports of accomplishment, statistical reports and Oregon Invests entries.
13. Maintain professional license(s) from the Oregon Department of Agriculture as required for professional pesticide consultation. 14. Engage in scholarly activity through applied research and/or innovations in teaching. Validate and share results (methods, discoveries, and applications) with peers and others.
15. Maintain active membership and participation in appropriate professional organizations.
16. Attend appropriate meetings and maintain professional relationships with Extension and office staff at the Klamath Extension Office and the Klamath Experiment Station. Serve as an effective team member with other Extension and Research staff in addressing the needs of people in Klamath County.
17. Serve on University, College, and Extension committees as appropriate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
1. Masters degree with at least one degree in agronomy, crop science, horticulture, agronomy, soil science or a related area with training in field production of crops.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; work independently and cooperatively within a team; and work and communicate with colleagues.
3. Strong scientific writing and technical presentation skills.
4. Experience in securing extramural funding.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage work teams.
6. Preference given to candidates with prior field crop, horticulture, and/or irrigation extension experience.
7. Pest management (insects, weeds or diseases) training or experience and familiarity with pesticide registration procedures desired.
8. A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Ability to obtain a valid pesticide consultant license with the demonstration and research option.
 2. Ability to obtain an Oregon driver's license and a personal vehicle for travel. Official mileage is reimbursed at 44.5 cents per mile.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS, SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS Extension staff receives appointment to an Oregon State University department with faculty rank and privileges. Promotion is based on job performance, teaching, service, and scholarship. Beginning salary will be commensurate with professional qualifications. Medical, dental, and life insurance available; if eligible, choice of retirement plan will be offered; staff tuition fee privileges for employee or a dependent at an Oregon University System school (restrictions apply), annual leave and sick leave.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES For full consideration, all materials must be received by May 19, 2006. A complete file consists of:
1. Resume describing education, professional experience, scholarly accomplishments, and professional service.
2. The names, addresses and contact information for at least three references familiar with your qualifications.
3. A narrative describing how your experience, qualifications, and interests have prepared you for this position.
4. To assist us in our Affirmative Action efforts, please complete the optional Affirmative Action Data Sheet form at: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hristeam/aa.pdf and return it to the address listed below.

APPLY TO:
Extension Service Operations Center
Human Resources Unit
Oregon State University
108 Ballard Extension Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-3602
Phone: 541-737-8320 Fax: 541-737-4095
E-mail: september.johnson@oregonstate.edu