This position is at the University of Arizona, School of Plant Sciences, located at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, Maricopa, AZ. The position is Continuing Status eligible. FTE Split: 60% Extension/30% Research/10% Service 

This Extension Specialist will plan, coordinate, manage, implement, and evaluate state-wide Extension programs targeting the production of field crops in Arizona.  The incumbent will also plan, implement and evaluate field research, conduct systematic analysis of state-wide data and other resources, including clientele and stakeholder input, and historical information to identify community assets, program needs, and outreach education opportunities. Needs and opportunities may include assessing soil plant relationships regarding nutrients, reducing the level of inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers and irrigation water while maintaining profitability and sustainability in both the short and long-term agricultural production systems in the desert Southwest, especially against the backdrop of a variable and changing climate, and conservation of our natural resources. The successful candidate may work on a variety of crops, including but not limited to alfalfa, cotton, wheat, barley, corn, sorghum, miscellaneous forages, various specialty crops, and vegetables. The incumbent must view success as developing a program that meets the needs of clientele and stakeholders to effectively address relevant issues.  The focus of this position will be to solve agronomic problems in the unique cropping systems of the arid and semiarid southwest. 

The successful candidate is expected to write grants and obtain extramural funding to support program activities from federal, state, local sources, commodity associations, and industry. Excellence will be demonstrated by measuring and documenting outcomes and impacts of the Extension program and by contributions to the discipline of agronomy. Overall, the candidate is expected to provide leadership and national recognition for independent and collaborative scholarly activity and excellence in Cooperative Extension in the field of agronomy. The candidate is expected to collaborate with scientists from other disciplines, as well as those in the region working with similar cropping systems, the grower community, crop consultants, and other stakeholders to solve important crop production problems. Scholarly and creative outputs, including impactful intellectual works that are communicated to appropriate audiences, are expected from the faculty in this position; examples include but are not limited to, peer-reviewed journal and Extension publications, workshops, field days, and media.   

Minimum qualifications: Ph.D. in Agronomy or related field at time of hire. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required upon employment to accommodate statewide travel for Extension program delivery or research activities. Experience in the production of field and row crops. Demonstrated Extension, teaching, applied research and organizational skills. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including the effective use of media. Demonstrated ability to work as a team member with other professionals. Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage, and delegate details associated with program management. Ability to work independently with evidence of good time management skills.  Understand the need for and knowledge of how to secure external funding support for research and Extension.

Preferred qualifications: One or more years’ experience with Extension or other informal education delivery methods. Demonstrated ability to secure external funding support for applied research and Extension programs. Demonstrated skills in diagnosing problems in agronomic production systems. Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to the basic philosophy of Extension and the Land Grant University system. Demonstrated experience using multiple forms of electronic communication, including media and ability to adapt to the changing technological environment. Demonstrated understanding of needs and impact assessment techniques and their application to Extension programs.  

Application: Apply online at https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/17001?c=arizona. The application, a single pdf file, should include the following: a) a letter of application, b) curriculum vita, c) Research and Extension Interest Statement for the position, and d) contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin on 9/25/2023 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Questions?  Address inquiries to Search Committee Chairs: Drs. Ursula Schuch (uschuch@arizona.edu) or Glenn Wright (gwright@arizona.edu) 

Location: The Maricopa Agricultural Center is about 25 miles south of Phoenix, is committed to bringing university research to the public to implement real-world solutions. The Center’s mission is to develop and deliver the best-integrated agricultural technologies for problems faced by Arizona consumers and producers. As one of the major centers of the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station with 2100 acres, the Maricopa Agricultural Center strives to be at the forefront of disciplinary field investigations, to develop, deliver and service the best appropriate integrated agricultural technologies for all problems faced by Arizona consumers and producers, and to provide assistance to all scientists conducting their research and educational outreach programs. The Center not only provides facilities and support for Extension outreach programs, but also provides support and facilities for teaching University classes and Ag-Literacy to all age groups. 

The Maricopa Agricultural Center's main focus is on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, pharmaceuticals, etc. The research projects are related to irrigation and crop water requirements, soils, soil health and crop fertility, insects and integrated pest management, cotton production and breeding, new crops, and their uses, weed control, cultural management practices, plant diseases, and urban entomology. 

 Additional information about the University of Arizona School of Plant Sciences, Research Center, and Cooperative Extension is available at:   

• School of Plant Sciences: https://cals.arizona.edu/spls/home   
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: https://extension.arizona.edu/  
• Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension: https://www.alvsce.arizona.edu/   
• Arizona Experiment Station: https://experimentstation.arizona.edu/   
• Maricopa Agricultural Center: https://mac.arizona.edu/