Department Head, Plant Sciences

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is seeking a full‑time 12‑month Department Head for its Plant Sciences Department (PLSC). This position starts July 31, 2026 and is a faculty position that will provide leadership for all academic and administrative functions, including instruction, research, alumni, donor, and industry engagement. The Department Head will lead a team of 7 tenure‑line faculty, approximately 7 full‑time and part‑time lecturers, and 7 office and technical staff, serving about 250 undergraduate students and about 20 graduate students.

• Faculty and staff hiring, development, mentoring, and workload assignments
• Advancement and fundraising
• Management of budget, facilities, and departmental resources
• Departmental curriculum development, assessment, and strategic planning
• Equal‑opportunity, accessibility, and nondiscrimination initiatives that foster a respectful and inclusive academic environment for all
• Provide scholarship through research, publishing, presenting, and grant or contract writing
• Teach undergraduate and potentially graduate courses in the Plant Sciences program
• Mentor students and participate in University, College, and Departmental committees, service, and other activities

Department Head appointments and 12‑month assignments are made and continue at the pleasure of the College Dean. This is a tenured position within the Plant Sciences Department. Appointments with tenure are made only after evaluation and recommendation by tenured faculty in the appropriate department. Tenure is granted only in the instructional portion of the position, which includes teaching, research, and service.

• A Ph.D. in crop science, plant science, horticultural science, entomology, plant pathology, or a closely related field
• Distinguished record of achievement in Plant Sciences–related fields, with qualifications appropriate for a tenured appointment at the rank of Full Professor within the department
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and management of students, faculty, staff, and community, and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory learning and working environment for all
• Strong record of academic achievement, including publications, grants, presentations, and interdisciplinary projects across industry
• Demonstrated commitment to, and teaching excellence in, a variety of modalities
• Broad knowledge of the plant sciences industry in areas such as crop science, horticultural science, entomology, and plant pathology
• Experience in collaborative priority setting and decision‑making, as well as faculty mentorship and professional development
• Experience carrying out CAFES’ mission through teaching, research, and advancement
• Capacity to manage resources and solve problems with creativity and innovation
• Ability to interact with stakeholders to develop research and industry initiatives of local, regional, national, and global importance
• Evidence of leading institutional advancement and fundraising
• Outstanding written and verbal English communication skills

• Experience allocating, directing, and monitoring annual budgets
• Track record of working collaboratively with industry, government agencies, NGOs, and advisory councils
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and coordinating centers, institutes, or research labs
• Familiarity with instructional technology, the science of teaching and learning, and online pedagogy
• Effectiveness in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and overseeing comprehensive curriculum development
• International experience or a desire to cultivate international partnerships
• Experience working with underrepresented students in research, teaching, service, advising, mentoring, or community roles

Full Professor rank, salaries range from $175,000 to $185,000.

California State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.

04/18/2026