Univ. Wisconsin-Madison: Extension Specialist in Corn Production Systems

We seek to hire a 9-month tenure track Extension Specialist in Corn Production Systems (Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS), University of Wisconsin-Madison) to provide leadership in developing and delivering corn grain and silage outreach and research in Wisconsin. This position will address the needs of the state's corn-growing farmers that produce nearly 4.0 million acres of corn yearly with a value of more than $3.4 billion dollars. Wisconsin is an agriculturally and ecologically diverse state thus an integrative approach to Extension and research is needed in the development, evaluation, and implications of novel corn management systems (e.g., cropping systems diversification and intensification, ecological approaches to mitigate carbon and nutrient loss, precision agriculture, forage production, etc.).

The incumbent will design novel corn grain and silage production systems that enhance benefits and reduce risks to agriculture and the environment while addressing the challenges of a changing climate and more extreme weather. Research will also document the efficacy and suitability of novel corn management approaches and estimate their impact on agroecosystem services such as crop productivity, biodiversity, climate regulation, and water quality. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of corn cropping systems important to Wisconsin producers including rotational grain, forage, specialty, and organic systems. Research efforts will form the foundation for a strong mentoring program across departments and colleges at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the incumbent will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students and provide research opportunities for undergraduates. The incumbent will be expected to develop and lead a regionally and nationally recognized Extension program supported by a strong research program. The incumbent will interact with the members of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, regional Extension agronomists, WAPAC (Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants) and other key clientele.

The position carries a commitment to Extension and research, as well as professional and university service as appropriate to the faculty rank. The incumbent will be expected to develop and grow a collaborative and extramurally funded Extension and research program recognized at state, regional, national, and international levels. The Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences is committed to inclusivity and diversity; therefore, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

responsibilities:

1. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to generate, translate, and apply research-based knowledge and methods to issues and problems by integrating research and educational activities into a coherent body of work. CALS Extension-funded faculty are expected to provide leadership in the design, development, and implementation of educational programs and to document the impact of these efforts.
2. Develop and carry out a vigorous externally funded research program, and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
3. Develop an externally supported, nationally recognized, extension program that integrates research activities and is supported by competitive grants, industry contributions, and revenue from other programs
4. Teach graduate and undergraduate students, commensurate with college expectations and consistent with the teaching loads of the department. Mentor students and promote their development and success in a collaborative environment.
5. Contribute to outreach and service functions of the department, college, university, and professional societies.
6. Contribute to programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the department, college, and university. Promote an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities.

required education: 

• PhD -Agronomy, horticulture, plant science, crop science, agroecology, or closely related discipline. PhD must be completed by start date of the position.

qualifications:

Candidate must have a strong foundation and research experience in the principles and concepts of crop production systems, demonstrated ability to communicate (oral and written) and publish, and have a solid understanding, potential, and/or experience securing competitive funding.

Successful candidates will have a record of or demonstrate potential for:
i) Extramural grant-writing
ii) Publications in peer reviewed journals
iii) Graduate student training/mentoring
iv) Teaching and curriculum development
v) Contribution to the outreach and service functions of CALS
vi) Promoting an inclusive and diverse climate within our campus and associated communities