JOB OPENING // Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Nov 2, 2012

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Position Announcement

October 22, 2012

Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR), Department of Agronomy & Horticulture invites applications for a Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Assistant Professor, 12-month, tenure-track position, with 60% extension and 40% research responsibilities. The position is located in Lincoln, NE. The focus of this position is on integrated turfgrass management practices for environmental risk reduction.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead an internationally-recognized extension and research program in management of turfgrass systems concentrating on water, fertility, soils, and/or related areas while reducing environmental impact; aggressively pursuing funding opportunities from state, federal and private sources; publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals; coordinating educational events and developing educational materials in Nebraska and the region; and contributing to student recruitment and science literacy efforts with extension activity and collaborations with teaching faculty. A contribution to research projects including integrative turf and water use projects, as well as in planning overall research priorities is expected. Contributions to existing research initiatives on climate change, carbon sequestration, and the Daugherty Water for Food Institute are encouraged to address regional, national and global issues. Extension responsibilities include leading an interdisciplinary turfgrass extension program serving a diverse clientele including golf courses, professional lawn care companies, athletic field managers, sod producers, industry representatives, University of Nebraska extension educators, and homeowners. The extension program should include horticulture, agronomy, soils, weed science, breeding and genetics, plant pathology, entomology, physiology, pesticide programs, and other areas contributing to the understanding of the turfgrass system. Additional responsibilities include traditional and web-based dissemination of information, coordinating existing and new educational events, and maintaining contact with growers and industry representatives of Nebraska and surrounding states. Supervision of graduate students and involvement in distance educational programs is also an expectation of this position.

Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D. in place by date of hire, required in turfgrass science, agronomy, horticulture, or a closely related discipline. A demonstrated ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, and research experience and expertise in turfgrass management are required. Ability to work effectively as a team member, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated experience with extension audiences and/or in the classroom is requirements of this position. Demonstrated experience in writing grant proposals and strong leadership skills are preferred.

To review the position description and to apply, go to: http://employment.unl.edu and search for requisition # 120895 and complete the Faculty Academic Administrative Information Form. Attach a letter of application including an overview of research and extension experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and copies of transcripts. Arrange for 3 letters of reference to be emailed to: cwendt1@unl.edu. Review of applications will begin on January 4, 2013 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

The University of Nebraska has an active National Science Foundation ADVANCE gender equity program, and is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers.

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (established in 1973 by the Nebraska State Legislature to give added emphasis to agriculture and the management of natural resources in Nebraska) serves the people of Nebraska in the four-fold mission of teaching, research, extension and service. Commonly referred to as “IANR,” the Institute is administered by the Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Natural Resources and has faculty and staff located throughout the State. IANR faculty and staff have appointments in the following divisions: Agricultural Research Division, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Education and Human Sciences (research and extension), and Cooperative Extension Division. Each division is administered by a Dean or Director. The Institute is comprised of 15 academic units, four regional research and extension centers, several interdisciplinary centers and program units. The IANR Vice Chancellor holds the Vice President title in the University of Nebraska system and is also administratively responsible for the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. Visit the IANR web site at www.ianr.unl.edu.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, “THE STAR CITY” – A PLACE TO WORK AND ENJOY LIFE

Lincoln, Nebraska, a community of more than 250,000 people, offers the ambience of a friendly small town while offering attractions and entertainment opportunities of a metropolitan area. Lincoln is a young city with a bright future of planned growth and expansion. It is one of the fastest growing non-Sun Belt cities in the U.S. and one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest.

The capital city of Nebraska, Lincoln is home to state government and the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system. The city also hosts Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College, Southeast Community College, Doane College-Lincoln and the Hamilton College-Lincoln Campus. Lincoln has an excellent educational system and ranks in the top 20 least stressful cities in the nation for children. Residents enjoy nationally ranked sporting events, world famous performing arts, and a variety of cultural activities. Among the attractions: the 2,200-seat Lied Center for Performing Arts, the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden, four history museums, a planetarium, observatory, many private art galleries, four live-stage theater venues, a civic auditorium, the 82,000 seat Memorial Stadium, 14,400 seat Devaney Center and new baseball/softball stadium facilities.

Cost-of-living ranks 3 to 5 percent below the national average of comparable cities with among the nation’s lowest health care costs, utility bills and insurance rates. Lincoln’s low crime rate, efficient transportation, stable business environment and advanced health care technology are a few reasons why Lincoln ranks high in livability studies.
You are invited to explore Lincoln on-line for the most current information.
www.unl.edu University of Nebraska-Lincoln homepage
www.nebraska.edu Web site for the University of Nebraska four-campus system
www.lped.com The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development offers extensive information on demographics, education, health care, cost of living and tax structures.
www.lcoc.com The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce offers business and community information and a relocation directory.
www.lincoln.org The Lincoln/Lancaster County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers information on attractions, entertainment, recreation, dining, shopping and transportation.
www.state.ne.us The official web site of Nebraska State Government
www.ci.lincoln.ne.us The official site of Lincoln City Government


By Gale Perez
Author - Public Education Specialist

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