Extension Assistant​/Associate Professor or Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a 12‑month, full‑time County Extension faculty position in Agriculture and Natural Resources, serving Wayne County. The position may be appointed as tenure‑track (Extension Assistant/Associate Professor) or non‑tenure track (Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor) depending on degree and experience.

The successful candidate will develop, deliver, and evaluate research‑based educational programs that strengthen agricultural production, natural resource stewardship, and youth development. Extension faculty also recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders and act as liaisons between clientele, partner organizations, and Utah State University.

The position is based in Wayne County, Utah. An office will be provided at the USU Extension office in Loa, Utah. This position also collaborates closely with Sevier County, providing agronomy technical assistance while receiving livestock and range support from Sevier’s faculty.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2026.

A master’s degree is required for Extension Assistant or Associate ranks. A bachelor’s degree and substantial professional experience is required for the rank of Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor.

Wayne County is located in southern Utah, bordered on the east by the Green River and on the southeast by the Colorado River. Its diverse geography includes rugged forests to the west, rocky formations to the east, and the San Rafael Desert at its center. The county is home to Capitol Reef National Park.

Local agricultural and natural resource needs include crop production, home and production horticulture, natural resource management, and 4‑H agriculture programs, including Junior Livestock and Horse programs.

• Provide leadership in crop production, home and production horticulture, natural resource management, and insect, disease, and weed control.
• Provide agronomy technical assistance for both Wayne and Sevier counties in coordination with Sevier County faculty.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate adult agricultural and natural resource programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate 4‑H youth agriculture programs, including Junior Livestock and Horse programs.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders involved in agriculture, horticulture, and youth programming.
• Build partnerships and use creative approaches to reach new and diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with campus specialists to design and conduct applied research and deliver research‑based programming.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support Extension educational programs.
• Document program outcomes and produce scholarly publications based on Extension work.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with Extension colleagues, community groups, government agencies, and local stakeholders such as conservation districts.
• Coordinate with other county Extension staff to deliver impactful programs to residents.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professional Practice Track: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or a closely related field.
• Tenure Track: Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver educational programs.
• Experience teaching adult and youth audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
• Ability to work effectively with federal, state, county, and university partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the county and state.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in:
  • Horticulture and natural resources programming.
  • 4‑H Youth Agriculture programs.
• Skills in:
  • Applied research design and delivery.
  • Scholarly writing and publication.
  • Grant writing.
  • Volunteer recruitment and supervision.
  • Using social media in educational outreach.
  • Developing online courses.
• Experience working with community partners, stakeholders and agricultural organizations.
• Prior experience with the Land‑Grant…