Job Title

Assistant Professor & Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Soil & Crop Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Dallas, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences announces a vacancy for the position of Extension Turfgrass Specialist located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas, TX.  The position is a 12-month, non-tenure track position responsible for leadership in the development of educational programs and materials related to environmentally sustainable management of home lawns, golf courses, sports fields, etc. in 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 to help Texas turfgrass managers utilize water and other resources in a sustainable manner.  The candidate will also provide leadership in turfgrass pest management.

The successful candidate is expected to interact with research scientists from the Texas A&M AgriLife Turfgrass Science program, and from the departments of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and other appropriate departments, other universities, and state and federal agencies to develop new knowledge regarding the science of turfgrass management.  The successful candidate will also be expected to lead an extramurally funded program in turfgrass management, publish results in refereed journals, and train graduate students. 

Implementation of Educational Programs:

Develop appropriate support materials including publications, videos, slide presentations, and teaching materials for use in educational and training programs. Respond to individual client requests for information for technical assistance in the areas of turfgrass management by mail, telephone, or personal conference. Develop, participate, and provide presentations to industry clientele. Identify, design, and implement applied research and educational programs concerning turfgrass management.

Financial and Program Support of Extension Activities:

Work with county Extension faculty, specialists, and other departmental faculty to identify funding opportunities, and to develop and submit proposals to secure financial support for the implementation of Extension programs. Coordinate with clientele groups and industry representatives to acquire and maintain funding for Extension programs and to obtain their support in the acquisition of funding from other external sources.

Program Planning:
The position serves in a coordinating role for campus and center-based scientists in developing and implementing educational programs and applied research in turfgrass management. It is expected to provide statewide leadership to increase the understanding and use of agronomic information related to turfgrass production in cooperation with a diverse clientele, which includes: county faculty; homeowners; turfgrass producers; managers of municipal, commercial, and sports turf; commercial services; manufacturers; suppliers; turfgrass-related professional associations; and local, state and federal agencies.

 
Faculty and Staff Training/Assistance:

Coordinate with Regional Program Directors and State and Area Specialists to organize district, regional, and state-wide training and educational programs for faculty and staff. Provide technical assistance/training to county Extension faculty and other personnel through organized group training programs, direct office contacts, telephone and electronic communication.

Coordination and Cooperation: Closely collaborate with extension and research colleagues from all disciplines to develop and promote turfgrass best management practices (especially in the areas of water and nutrient management) in the broad array of environments and settings in which it is grown in the state. Serve as a technical resource for agricultural commodity groups, businesses, and industry to identify concerns and develop appropriate applied research and educational programs in response.

Other: Pursue opportunities for professional development through attendance and participation at appropriate professional meetings, workshops, conferences, and educational events. Provide service to the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences through active participation on committees, planning teams, work groups, etc., to support the mission and goals of the Land Grant University System. Serve as a mentor for graduate students and in an advisory role for undergraduate students in the department.

Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Weed Science, Soil Science, or closely related field. Must be proficient in leadership and oral and written communications skills and skilled in the use of computers. Land Grant University and Extension experience is preferred. 

Required special knowledge abilities and skills:

Excellent and demonstrated oral, written, and electronic communication skills. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Please attach to you completed application:

CV/Resume

Letter of interest

List of three references with daytime phone and email addresses

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 committed to diversity.

About Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at TAMU

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