Dean of Arts and Sciences jobs in Laramie, WY

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:   

Extension Educator

JOB PURPOSE:   

The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Wyoming is seeking applicants for two extension educator positions in horticulture. These positions are fiscal year, non-tenure track extension faculty appointments. In addition to the majority extension appointment, one position will provide teaching and operational support to the UW student farm, and one position will provide support to the plant diagnostics team. 

The successful candidates will provide extension programming for a wide range of horticultural production systems. We are seeking broadly trained candidates from a range of backgrounds, which may include turf management, arboriculture, ornamental plants, and fruit and vegetable crops in an array of production systems such as outdoor, high-tunnel, greenhouse, or other controlled-environments. These positions will provide education, extension programming, and support to a range of Wyoming stakeholders including organic producers, horticultural industries, homeowners, Master Gardeners, and students. 

Sustainable horticultural crop production in Wyoming can be challenging, and we are seeking candidates who will embrace this challenge. There is strong and wide-ranging interest in horticultural production across Wyoming. Production of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops in open-field and season extenders is an opportunity to add value to existing ag enterprises and the local economy. Wyoming’s residents have shown interest in developing their home gardens through improved plant materials and production strategies. Community-based horticulture has increased in prevalence across the state and region. Homeowners and businesses are interested in water-wise and sustainable approaches to landscaping.  We seek energetic candidates interested in supporting these stakeholders through engaging extension programs.

To learn more about UW Plant Sciences faculty, degree programs, research, and teaching, visit: https://www.uwyo.edu/plantsciences/ 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop a robust Extension program which assesses the needs of Wyoming horticulturalists and delivers programming, with measurable outcomes, to meet those needs.     
• Secure extramural funding to support an innovative and sustainable extension program in horticultural science. 
• Engage stakeholders through a variety of methods, including traditional print and web materials, as well as other means. 
• Conduct applied research related to horticultural science to answer stakeholder questions as appropriate. 
• Provide mentorship and leadership to the student farm OR provide plant diagnostic expertise.
• Have a strong commitment to the mission of a land-grant institution, including stakeholder engagement and undergraduate student education.

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Earned Master of Science in horticulture, plant sciences, or a closely related field at the time of hire (consideration will be given to applicants who are currently pursuing an M.S. and will complete the degree prior to starting work) 
• Demonstrated experience with some aspect of horticultural plant production (e.g. turf management, olericulture, pomology, floriculture, ornamental horticulture, landscape design) 
• Effective communication skills and an ability to reach diverse audiences 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and in surrounding communities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Earned PhD in horticulture, plant sciences, or a closely related field at the time of appointment
• Evidence of ability to diagnose plant problems, including pest identification and management in commercial or consumer horticultural systems 
• Strong potential for excellence and effectiveness in extension and education programming, with demonstrated experience offering scientific content via multiple channels to a range of audiences (i.e., in-person, online, youth, adult) 
• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding from competitive and other sources to support novel extension programming.  
• Evidence of ability to provide sound recommendations in horticulture management topics such as plant selection, irrigation, fertility, and pest management 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in diverse and interdisciplinary teams 
• Experience mentoring students or teaching courses related to horticulture at the undergraduate or graduate level 
• Experience conducting applied research related to horticultural science 
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the land grant mission 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: 

• Cover letter that explains: 
  • How your education, training, and previous experiences have prepared you to successfully address the duties and responsibilities of this position 
  • A statement of the applicant’s Extension philosophy including previous relevant experiences and work with diverse audiences 
  • Your interest and experiences working with students (if any)
  • Your experience with plant diagnostics (if any)
• Current CV or resume     
• Names and contact information of four professional references 
  • include name, title, address, phone, and email
• Copies of all transcripts 
  • originals will be requested later, if selected

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 02/15/2024 will receive full consideration.

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.   

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/