Job Title

Assistant/Associate Professor of Horticulture

Agency

West Texas A&M University

Department

Agricultural Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Canyon, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Job Summary:

West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, a member of the Texas A&M University System invites applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Horticulture with a primary focus in one of the following horticulture science areas: vegetable production, greenhouse/nursery management, or landscape/turf management; in semi-arid environments. Applicants should have a record of leadership and management in horticultural science teaching and research. One of the primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to expand the Department’s current plant and soil science offerings in a recently developed emphasis in horticultural science for both undergraduate and graduate education, research, and service in the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas.

The 11-month, tenure-track faculty (65% teaching, 30% research, 5% service) will report directly to the Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, located in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. West Texas A&M University is a four-year academic institution with over 9,000 students including more than 1100 students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, granting Bachelor, Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Doctoral degrees.

Work Performed:

• Expand the horticulture teaching and research emphasis within the Plant, Soil and Environmental Science program while addressing issues faced by semi-arid horticulture and agriculture systems in the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas.

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in all areas of horticultural sciences;

• Teach nine hours per long semester for undergraduate and/or graduate programs;

• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the plant and soil science program;

• Develop a nationally recognized research program in a focus area of horticulture science, including, but not limited to food production, greenhouse and nursery management, or turf and landscape management, in water-limited environments;

• Assist in managing departmental teaching and research greenhouses;

• Secure extramural funding for research and scholarly activities;

• Publish research findings in high quality, peer-reviewed journals;

• Contribute substantively to the activities and initiatives of one or more professional societies;

• Develop collaborative programs with scientists in other agencies, universities, and the horticulture and agriculture industries;

• Foster employment and internship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students;

• Participate in service activities and committees to support the department, college, university, community and professional organizations.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Horticulture or closely related field

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service

• Experience in horticulture research, specifically within semi-arid environments or focused on water conservation practices

• Commitment to an interdisciplinary team approach to education and research

• Interpersonal skills, vision, and desire to establish working relationships with external constituents in the horticultural science industries of the Texas High Plains

• Demonstrated experience in securing external funding and scholarly publication

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Online teaching experience preferred

Applicant Instructions:

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We require the following:

• Letter of interest or cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts are expected to be submitted promptly by the successful candidate)

• Three professional references

Please attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the “My Experience” page before continuing through the application. Please use the “Upload” button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission. If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at hr@wtamu.edu .

Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 be properly registered with the Selective Service System in order to be eligible for employment.

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.

The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits (https://www.wtamu.edu/business-finance/human-resources/benefits.html)

For additional questions or information regarding this position, please contact:

Search Committee Chair: Ms. Lauren Selph,

Department: Department of Agricultural Sciences

WTAMU Box 60998

Canyon, TX 79016-0001

Phone: (806) 651-3580, Fax (806) 651-2938

Email: lselph@wtamu.edu

Affirmative Action Commitment Statement

West Texas A&M University and the Department of Agricultural Sciences are committed to hiring the person most qualified for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Horticulture position with equal treatment and access for all applicants, including affirmative action for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

We will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees.

WT’s long-standing commitment has always been to serve both the students and the region of the Panhandle. Our employees make a difference every day in the lives of thousands of students, and that has countless ripple effects on people throughout the region, the state and the world. Moreover, employees are encouraged to grow professionally and personally thanks to a supportive work environment.

At WT, your future is our future. Employees and their dependents get half-off their tuition and fees. The minimum starting wage is $15 per hour. Employees also have generous health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance packages, plus free basic life insurance and enrollment in the Texas Teacher Retirement System. Flexible or compressed work-week arrangements are also available.Find out more at: https://wtamu.edu/benefits

West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, home to Palo Duro Canyon and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Canyon also is conveniently located near Amarillo, the largest city on Interstate 40 between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. This region is renowned for its historical significance, vibrant arts and entertainment options, unique shopping, delicious food and the friendliest people in the state.