Organic Agricultural Soil Management Specialist

Organic Agricultural Soil Management Specialist

Oregon State University

Department: Crop and Soil Science (ACS)

Appointment Type: Academic Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience

Job Summary:

The Department of Crop & Soil Science invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice Organic Agricultural Soil Management Specialist position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

This full-time Organic Agricultural Soil Management Specialist position has an academic rank of Assistant Professor of Practice. The purpose of this position is to develop, implement, synthesize, and adapt Extension activities and applied research for organic agricultural soil management practices on farms in Oregon.

This position is part of a cluster hire of four new Organic Agriculture Specialists: Organic Grains and Pulses, Organic Agricultural Soil Management, Organic Seed and Planting Stock, and Organic Tree Fruit and Nuts located on the Corvallis campus with statewide responsibilities. They will work with existing Organic Vegetable, and Organic Pasture and Forages positions as part of the Organic Agriculture Program with the expectation of strong synergies and significant impacts. The positions specialize in organic practices but serve farms utilizing all management strategies. Many organic farming practices have broad applications in non-organic farming systems and can lower input costs, improve soil health, and provide climate change mitigation.

This position will focus on ecological practices that can improve soil and maintain or increase crop productivity and quality through soil nutrient management, carbon and organic matter dynamics, reduced tillage, compost, organic fertilizers, cover crops, crop residue management, climate resilience, and/or other relevant topics identified during needs assessments. The clientele for this position includes farmers and other agricultural professionals currently using or interested in sustainable, ecological, regenerative and certified Organic farming practices to produce crops in Oregon. This position will work with and benefit all farms regardless of farming practices. This position will work closely with clientele, Organic Agriculture Specialists, soil scientists, University colleagues and others to identify common needs and opportunities for collaboration. Active and effective communication with colleagues and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position.

The Organic Agriculture Program is a collaborative team of Extension faculty working statewide, who use a combination of applied research, and Extension outreach and engagement to serve farmers of all scales (small, medium, and large) and management strategies, including sustainable, regenerative, organic and conventional farming methods. The academic home for this position is the Department of Crop and Soil Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The operational home for this position is in the Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems (Center) also in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The Center houses the Organic Agriculture Program and other cutting-edge programs related to agriculture and food systems. This position reports to the Director of the Center and the Department Head of Crop and Soil Science. Reappointment is at the discretion of the supervision team which includes the Center Director, Department Head of Crop and Soil Science, and the Extension Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Program Leader.

As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, OSU promotes economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. This position contributes to the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences, with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program and educational material development, delivery, and evaluation, and for conducting applied research to support Extension activities.

Oregon State University is committed to practicing and delivery of tools for state-of-the-science interaction and engagement of partners and stakeholders. This faculty member is required to use modern learning and outreach tools including online and hybrid classes, multimedia and digital communications, employ and practice engaged scholarship, promote integration of programs across disciplines that are demand-driven and use open-source tools that continually align with innovation and shifts in educational program delivery. These activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student/learner success by engaging them in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and Engagement are likewise committed to student/learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.

About the division: The Division of Extension and Engagement (Division) is core to Oregon State University's mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The Division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our Division and its core units and initiatives, please visit our Division https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.

The Division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonians' awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.

Commitment to inclusive excellence: Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language/Visual Access regulations. In addition, this individual will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation.

OSU Division of Extension and Engagement's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion

OSU Moving Forward Togetherhttps://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world

• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

• 217k+ alumni worldwide

• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

• Retirement savings paid by the university.

• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

60% – Extension and Related AssignmentsThe position is part of the Organic Agriculture Program housed in the Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems. The Center, in its catalyst role, links the position to other programs and colleges at OSU, and community-based non-profit organizations working with sustainable agriculture and community food systems. Because of the integrated nature of organic farming and agricultural soil management, this individual may collaborate with faculty members in Crop and Soil Science, Horticulture, Food Science and Technology, the Oregon IPM Center, Botany and Plant Pathology, Applied Economics, and other departments and programs that will support the current and emergent needs of their clientele.

(a) Extension Teaching

• Educational programing and applied research will focus on certified organic, ecological and regenerative soil management practices on farms of all scales and management strategies. This position will evaluate and implement management practices that maintain or improve soil health and profitability.

• Design, develop and implement soil management educational programs for farmers and other agricultural professionals that utilize Oregon State University’s six principles of teaching excellence which include audience consideration, planning, enhanced engagement, teaching, assessment, and reflection to provide a high level of non-credit teaching for Extension audiences.

• Deliver effective Extension non-credit education programs within relevant agro-ecozones that may include demonstrations, workshops, field tours, and field days, as well as the use of multiple methods of electronic communication, including websites, publications, video conferencing, hybrid teaching, non-credit online courses, and other digital/online methods for internal and external collaboration and/or information dissemination as appropriate to address clientele needs.

• Conduct needs assessments to determine the educational and applied research needs of assigned clientele, and make use of advisors to identify program needs, assist in program implementation and evaluate program effectiveness as needed.

• Develop and maintain efficient methods for addressing high volumes of topically repetitive clientele inquiries through scholarly outputs like Extension publications, videos and other digital communications and engagement tools and strategies.

• Share materials, methods and outcomes with peers in the state, region and/or nation.

• Provide one-on-one consultation to growers that effectively responds to common and persistent challenges of organic agricultural soil management and the organic supply chain.

• Address and respond to informational needs of stakeholders by accessing information from a variety of sources and disseminating through appropriate mechanisms (newsletters, newspaper, radio, television, internet, presentations, etc.)

• Use technology as a tool to increase the reach and impact of programs including participating in Ask-Extension, eOrganic, and using the division’s customer relationship management system.

• Evaluate effectiveness and impact of Extension education programs and refine content and methods to best meet the clientele’s needs and report program impacts.

• Maintain Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License throughout employment and remain current with the science of pesticides.

(b) Partnerships/Collaboration/Networking

• Collaborate with OSU Extension and research colleagues across disciplines such as agronomy, plant breeding and genomics, horticulture, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, food science, and the social sciences.

• As a member of the Organic Agriculture Program expectations include:

• Working as part of a collaborative team with other members.

• Actively contributing to the activities and programs of the Organic Agriculture Extension working group.

• Creating highly visible and impactful programs.

• Cultivating relationships statewide with stakeholders and commodity groups.

• Interacting with the Organic Agriculture advisory group.

• Facilitating new organic projects among OSU faculty interested in organic agricultural soil management.

• Integrate with other programs of the Center. Collaborate on applied research and grant projects and educational programs. Provide technical articles for Oregon Small Farm News, organize sessions for the OSU Small Farms Conference, and provide technical expertise related to organic agricultural soil management to Center faculty.

• Join appropriate professional organizations and develop networks of interest groups in subject matter areas where appropriate. This will likely include appropriate commodity and/or producer organizations.

• Engage with community-based and regional organizations to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development within local, regional, or state boundaries as appropriate.

© Accountability

• Develop annual plans of work that address educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of Extension educational and applied research programs.

• Measure and report regularly on program impact in the Faculty Success online platform.

• Serve as an effective team member of the Organic Agriculture Extension working group, as well as other workgroups (e.g. Soils and crop production working group) related to the duties of this position.

• Keep records and provide necessary reports to Extension Administration, the Center, department and/or college, including plans of work, narrative reports, impact statements, statistical reports, and reports of accomplishments.

• Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers relevant, science-based topical information when requested.

• Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.

• Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.

• Solicit peer teaching evaluations and citizen evaluation of teaching.

• Statewide travel is required to provide these Extension educational programming and services.

• Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in promotion dossiers.

20% – Applied Research

• Conduct applied research within relevant agro-ecozones to pragmatically address clientele needs. Incorporate farm business considerations into applied research and Extension activities. Collaborate with colleagues in other supporting disciplines.

• Address regional and statewide soil resource concerns such as climate change, soil health and reduced tillage and other over-arching issues on organic, ecologically managed, and other farms.

• Secure external funding to conduct applied research, demonstrations, and educational programs addressing high priorities for organic farmers and related practitioners.

• Communicate applied research progress and results to relevant audiences using peer reviewed publications, professional meetings, commodity group presentations, Extension events and other digital communication and engagement tools and systems.

• Keep abreast of, and interpret scientific, technological and industry developments and trends at state, regional, national, and international levels.

15% – ScholarshipAssigned duties for this position are expected to result in scholarly outcomes. Refer to section V of the OSU Faculty Handbook on Promotion and Tenure: https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/faculty-handbook/promotion-and-tenure-guidelines#Practice

Discover new knowledge and develop practical and creative solutions and applications for problems related to aspects of organic agricultural soil management.

Research discoveries should be communicated to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and practitioners using innovative and contemporary tools in both oral and written venues, including web-based formats. Communication may include Extension publications, refereed journal articles, presentations to state, regional, and national commodity and professional groups, media, and other outlets as appropriate. Present research findings and educational material at local, regional and National meetings, and publish this new information so that it is accessible to growers and peers as part of the scholarly expectations.

Scholarly and creative work is intellectual work whose significance is validated by peers and that is communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as a professional practitioner in community settings as defined by the incumbent’s position description.

To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. These are typically of the two types shown below but as our communication worlds change, other types of scholarship may fit these durability and findable criteria:

• Authorship of Extension publications, local or regional “practice” publications, book chapters, other educational materials, and digital media if it is either peer reviewed before dissemination or if there is evidence of its adoption and use by peers.

• Publications in peer‐reviewed journals which might encompass description and evaluation of novel community‐based professional practice or research application, program development and innovation, outcomes of innovative programs and/or services, definitive professional practice reviews, or case reports among others.

To achieve promotion, there must be an on‐going record that both of these types of scholarship are being done though each does not need to be present in every year of record. Documentation must also be provided that shows these scholarly outputs have had impact. These durable, web‐findable materials may be augmented by other forms of peer validation such as the following:

• Invited presentations, poster and podium presentations, and published abstracts and/or proceedings at state, regional and national levels, provided that evidence of peer validation is provided.

• Documented impact due to local or regional adoption of improved practices, methods, or programs.

• Secured competitive grants and contracts appropriate for the scope and focus of the faculty member’s position.

• Named inventor of a protected intellectual property in the faculty member’s field.

• Recognition as a professional practitioner in community settings as demonstrated by

• honorary degrees

• awards recognizing community, professional and/or scientific achievements

• fellowships in national professional and/or scientific organizations

• requests to serve as a technical advisor to government agencies, industry, or professional groups

Best practice to ensure scholarship is durable and web-findable:

• Participating in the periodic review of published website content for accuracy, readability and relevancy

• Utilizing library and open source resources for cataloging, citing and archiving

• Tagging, curating, descriptive titles and other methods to ensure scholarship displays where and how web visitors may look for it

• Sharing with peers, partners and media to encourage links to it from other websites and media sources

Best practice is to ensure an inclusive scholarship:

• Including diverse perspectives on the research team, particularly among co-principal investigators

• Emphasizing diversity to address broadening participation in grant proposals

• Writing articles and books that address issues of diversity/social justice

• Presenting conference papers on issues of diversity/social justice

• Increasing the diversity of students who serve as research assistants

5% – Service

• Serve as an effective team member within the Center and wider University community.

• Provide service to academic home, college and university through committee service and leadership as appropriate and requested by administrators and peers.

• Serve on state, regional, and national advisory committees appropriate to position responsibilities and participate in professional organization activities.

• Assist in cohesive marketing of Extension.

• Contribute to a welcoming and respectful work place environment.

• The faculty member is encouraged to participate in community service.

What You Will Need

PhD in soil science, crop science, horticulture or another discipline that addresses the duties of the position. Degree must be completed by start date.

Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team member within the Organic Agriculture Program and with other professionals.

Demonstrated experience with and/or specialized knowledge of agricultural soil management.

Demonstrated experience with and/or knowledge of the scientific basis of organic or regenerative crop production.

Demonstrated experience with Extension or other informal education delivery methods.

Demonstrated capacity to share research-based information with stakeholders, colleagues, and peers in appropriate formats.

Experience conducting applied agricultural research, and demonstrated skills in experimental design.

Demonstrated ability to serve stakeholders of diverse backgrounds with special attention to underserved communities, and a commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Consultant License within six months of employment and maintain it throughout employment.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

Specific experience with and specialized knowledge of soil management on certified Organic or regenerative farms in cropping systems relevant to this position.

Demonstrated ability to secure external funding support.

Demonstrated knowledge of organic certification standards for farms.

Demonstrated ability to operate standard agricultural equipment.

Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing technological environment.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Duties entail work under field conditions including inclement weather.

Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends when needed.

Travel is required to provide educational programming and services throughout the state of Oregon as necessary.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 7, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Pursuant to the college’s vision for cultivating a diverse and inclusive community, please provide a supplemental statement about how your past and/or potential contributions might serve to advance the college’s commitment to working with people from a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. This could include:

• A statement of values as they relate to your understanding and commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and/or justice in applied research, education, and outreach.

• Examples of experiences that demonstrate your commitment to fostering the success of underrepresented agricultural producers and peers, and in supporting a diversity of perspectives in the course of your work.

• Future plans for continuing to advance inclusive excellence, diversity, or equity, in alignment with the goals and duties of this position.

4) Please answer the following questions and attach as Other Document 1

• a) If hired, how would you approach the position—statewide Extension engagement and applied research—including supporting and integrating with county-based Extension faculty?

• b) Please describe how you would work on statewide technical production challenges with farmers interested in organic or ecological agriculture

• c) From your training and experience, what opportunities for innovation do you think are promising for organic production in this position?

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: | Garry Stephenson

| Garry.stephenson@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5165317

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