Extension Assistant/Associate Professor or Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor - Horticulture – Wasatch County

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a tenure-track Extension Assistant or Associate Professor position specializing in Horticulture and Natural Resources in Wasatch County, Utah. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs that address local needs and enhance quality of life for residents. Faculty also recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local communities, partner agencies, and Utah State University faculty, specialists, and programs.

This position includes county and university responsibilities, with an office located at the USU Extension Wasatch County office in Heber City, Utah.

Wasatch County is located in the Heber Valley of north-central Utah and is known for its agricultural heritage, mountain landscapes, outdoor recreation, and rapidly growing communities. Historically supported by farming, livestock production, and open agricultural lands, the county has experienced substantial residential and commercial development as the Heber Valley continues to attract new residents and visitors.

This growth has increased the importance of water conservation, sustainable landscaping, agricultural land preservation, and responsible natural resource management. Wasatch County is home to Jordanelle, Deer Creek, and Strawberry reservoirs, which provide important water resources for culinary, irrigation, and recreational uses. The Provo River and surrounding watersheds also support recreation, fisheries, wildlife, and regional water needs.

The county’s mix of established agricultural operations, small-acreage properties, new residential developments, and mountain environments creates opportunities for Extension education in horticulture, urban water conservation, soil and plant health, sustainable landscape practices, and natural resource stewardship.

The position requires knowledge of horticulture, water conservation, and natural resource management relevant to the growing needs and changing demographics of Wasatch County. We welcome candidates with diverse interests and experience who can develop practical, research-based educational programs for both long-established and new county residents.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership, Education, and Outreach

• Provide leadership for Extension educational activities focused on horticulture, Master Gardener programs, natural resources, and water conservation in Wasatch County.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs for adults, including homeowners, gardeners, agricultural producers, small-acreage landowners, and community stakeholders.
• Address county needs related to rapid residential growth, water-efficient landscaping, irrigation practices, land stewardship, and protection of natural resources.
• Develop partnerships and use innovative approaches to reach existing clientele and new audiences, including online and virtual courses and social media platforms.

Research, Scholarship, and Evaluation

• Collaborate with on-campus Extension specialists and faculty to develop applied research projects and deliver educational programs.
• Document program outcomes and impacts and produce scholarly publications based on Extension programming.

Grants and Resource Development

• Pursue internal and external funding to support Extension programming.

Administration and Volunteer Management

• Manage assigned budgets, personnel, and volunteers.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Partner with and serve diverse audiences and support Utah State University Extension’s civil rights responsibilities.
• Collaborate with Extension and University personnel, community organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders.

University and Professional Service

• Participate in county and university service activities consistent with Extension faculty expectations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional Practice Track: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or a closely related field.
• Extension Assistant or Associate Rank(Tenure Track): Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Experience teaching adult audiences.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to serve as a liaison among federal, state, university, county, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Current driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Developing and delivering programs related to horticulture, natural resources, urban water conservation, and small farm production.
• Working with homeowners, agricultural producers, small-acreage landowners, and rapidly growing communities.
• Master Gardener programs and volunteer-based education.
• Conducting applied research and translating research findings into practical educational resources.
• Grant writing and securing external funding.
• Recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting volunteers.
• Serving diverse and underserved audiences.
• Using social media, online learning, and virtual course development to expand educational outreach.
• Establishing positive relationships with community stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Working within the Land-Grant University or Cooperative Extension system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Water-efficient landscaping practices.
• Irrigation management and water conservation strategies.
• Sustainable horticulture principles and practices.
• Natural resource stewardship and land management.
• Conversing and writing in Spanish.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
• Transcript(s) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”