Assistant​/Associate​/Extension Professor of Ornamental Horticulture

Job Title Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professor of Ornamental Horticulture

Requisition Number

Requisition Number FE05050

Working Title

Department Name

Department Name 81110:

Horticulture

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Type of Position

Type of Position Faculty

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in horticulture or plant science or closely related field is required.

Required Related Experience

Candidates are expected to possess, or be willing to develop, knowledge, and skills related to commercial ornamental horticultural production. The individual should demonstrate the ability to function as a team leader as well as within a team and to communicate effectively.

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Horticulture ( http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ) seeks to fill a 12-month, Extension Title Series, tenure eligible, position at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor rank. This position will involve all aspects of the land-grant mission and has an expected distribution of effort ( DOE ) of 80% Extension, 15% teaching, and 5% service, with a DOE that is subject to annual adjustment upon mutual agreement.

The successful candidate will demonstrate utilization of high-quality Extension outcomes and applied research with an emphasis on pioneering approaches in Ornamental Horticulture. The earliest start date, which is negotiable, is April 1, 2027.

The ornamental and green industries represent a major component of Kentucky’s specialty crop industry and are economic drivers in urban and rural communities. As of the last USDA Census of Agriculture, the farm gate value of floriculture, bedding crops, and nursery crops in Kentucky was nearly $89 million. The sector faces escalating pressures from new and invasive pests, climate variability, water constraints, workforce limitations, and increasing pressure for environmentally responsible management.

The expectations for this position are to develop a high-impact Cooperative Extension Service program centered on commercial ornamental plant production. Additionally, it is expected that this work will be focused on grower and industry needs in Kentucky, contributing to resilient landscape and production systems. This faculty member will work in an interdisciplinary environment with faculty, students, staff, and Extension professionals, and will contribute to the College’s strategic plan goals of producing innovative solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration.

It is expected that this work will be funded by competitive external grants that result in peer-reviewed publications, and that the candidate will develop scholarly Extension publications and resources, as well as build, maintain, and lead impactful internal and external collaborations and partnerships.

The successful candidates will exhibit a strong desire and commitment to quality teaching and student mentorship. Currently, the teaching component will involve being the lead instructor of a single course and making contributions to at least one additional course each year. Potential course topic areas include plant propagation, identification, nursery production, and/or landscape management. Other responsibilities would include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

The Department’s Horticultural Science undergraduate program trains the next generation of plant scientists and specialty crop producers. Departmental faculty are also involved in two nationally recognized interdisciplinary undergraduate programs:
Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems and Agricultural and…