Position Overview
The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut is pleased to invite applications for a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure, Assistant or Associate Extension Professor. This position will oversee operations in the existing UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory. The anticipated division of duties for this role will be 70% Extension, 10% Administrative, 10% Teaching, and 10% Research. The position is available immediately, with a preferred start date on or before August 23. Review of applications begins April 28th, 2025. This position will be based in the Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, located on the UConn Storrs Depot Campus in Storrs, CT.
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with technical knowledge in soil science, who possesses the ability to facilitate the successful operation of the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, a service center that processes more than 14,000 soil samples per year. Upon its completion, the incumbent will then serve as the Director of the UConn Plant and Soil Health Center, which will encompass the current existing centers/laboratories: the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, the Home and Garden Education Center, the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory. Expected completion of the UConn Plant and Soil Health Center (PSHC) is currently winter of 2026 and will be a one-stop comprehensive service center for plant health and soil testing, outreach, and education opportunities to Connecticut stakeholders. Additionally, the PSHC will also house flexible-use research laboratories to support research or grant-funded research associated with the broader CAHNR mission.
The successful candidate will be able to establish positive and productive working relationships with plant professionals, producers and growers, home gardeners, and soil professionals throughout the state and region;interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel;sustain existing Extension programming and develop novel, accessible programming for Connecticut stakeholders. Additionally, the successful candidate will be someone who has a strong commitment to teaching excellence and is capable of teaching community participants of Extension programming, as well as one to two introductory undergraduate courses that contribute to the core curriculum per academic year (see below).
Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The selected candidate will be someone who can engage stakeholders with an interest in soil health and collaborate regionally in developing educational programming and related resources that support sustainable production practices to reduce risk from mismanagement and climate-related stress on soils. Offering comprehensive soil analysis services through the existing service center is a core function of this role. Familiarity with analytical instruments including ICP-OES, discrete analyzer, CN analyzer, pH meter, EC meter, grinders, etc. is essential. The successful candidate will be able to run and train laboratory staff and students in the use of all laboratory equipment, troubleshoot equipment, and order consumables or service contracts when needed. The successful candidate will be able to prepare and oversee the preparation of chemical solutions needed in the laboratory and should be able to anticipate the life expectancy of analytical instruments to plan for timely replacement of equipment.
Focus areas of teaching may include nutrient management and fertilization, soil chemistry, soil microbial ecology, integrated pest management, or other practices. Teaching needs include a one-credit writing class, SPSS 2110 Sustainable Plant Pest Management Communication, in addition to course(s) developed that align with the successful candidate’s experience/research and support hands-on learning for our students. The successful candidate will be able to interpret soil test results and write management recommendations to address fertilization and soil amendments needed for the production of fruit, vegetables, bedding plants, woody perennials, lawns, and crops important to the New England region.
In their role as Director of the Plant and Soil Health Center, the successful candidate is someone who will establish positive and synergistic collaborations with the Associate Director of the UConn Plant and Soil Health Center to serve current stakeholders and broaden participation among members of under-represented groups;demonstrate through public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience;and provide leadership in developing techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interest. The successful applicant will demonstrate leadership skills for serving on state boards, councils, and committees where stakeholders and experts collaborate to address complex systems together.
Examples of participation, membership, and programming duties include:
- Participation in the USDA’s federal working group – Northeast Coordinating Committee on Soil Testing (NECC-2312).
- Coordination of the CT Master Composter Program
- Soil Training for CT Master Gardener Program
- Participation in the soils section of the Natural Resources Conservation Academy with NRCS soil scientists.
Examples of participation, membership, and programming duties to be performed in collaboration with the PSHC Associate Director and PSHC team members include:
- Updating and maintaining the Plant and Soil Health Center website
- Contributing to, and ensuring the timely distribution of, the monthly PSHC newsletter
- Writing/reviewing fact sheets pertinent to stakeholder interest
- Coordinating Extension programming such as seminars, workshops, podcasts, and events
- Coordinating PSHC representation at various events including the CT Flower & Garden Show, FFA Career Development Events, The Big E, Connecticut Nursery and Landscapers Association Meetings, etc.
- Preparing annual reports of activities and surveys as well as employee evaluations
Qualifications
ROLE EXPECTATIONS
- Develop a strategic plan for the new Plant and Soil Health Center, including key performance indicators, and annual reports for the Center.
- Provide feedback and guidance directly to inquiries and respond to clients.
- Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- Must possess adequate physical stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned doctoral degree in soil science, soil chemistry, plant science, agricultural engineering, Doctor of Plant Medicine/Doctor of Plant Health degree, or closely related disciplines.
- For the Assistant Extension Professor title, at least three years of relevant experience is required.
- For the Associate Extension Professor title, at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Professor or the equivalent is required.
- Three to five years of public, private, or academic experience operating or directing a soil, plant analysis, or environmental analysis laboratory.
- Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Understand, develop, and implement laboratory standard operating procedures, protocols, safety guidelines, chemical hygiene plans, and operational workflows and pipelines, such as analytical instruments.
- Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MS Access is used as the SNAL laboratory information management system (LIMS), with support from Agstar programmers. Knowledge of alternate LIMS may be considered.
- Experience serving in supervisory and leadership positions, particularly within an academic or service center context.
- Experience with budgets, spending plans, and fiscal management for a laboratory, academic setting, or service center.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience developing peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
- Experience working with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.
- Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.
- Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, 11-month, non-tenure track position with an anticipated start date on or before August 23, 2025, with preference given to applicants that apply no later than April 27, 2025. The university provides a generous benefits package. For more information on benefits, please visit http://www.hr.uconn.edu/benefits/index.html. Starting salary and position rank for this position will be commensurate with training and experience.
This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the American Association of University Professors UConn Chapter (AAUP).
How to Apply
TO APPLY
Please apply online to Search #498484 and submit the following application materials:
- Cover letter summarizing how your qualifications and experience meet the position requirements (maximum three pages).
- Curriculum vitae.
- A vision statement for the Plant and Soil Health Center describing your approach to leadership and how you propose to elevate the impact of the PSHC (maximum two pages).
- Names and contact information for at least three references including phone numbers and email addresses.
Review of applications will begin April 28, 2025 and continue until a successful candidate is selected. Inquiries about the position should be directed to: Nick Goltz, nick.goltz@uconn.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
