In coordination with the University of Missouri Office of Extension and Engagement and the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development, the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri seeks a full-time, 12-month non-tenure track position that is eligible for rank and promotion. Non-tenure rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professor) may be assigned depending on qualifications and experience demonstrated through a curricula vita and by the college’s promotion policy. 

This position provides leadership to the: (1) design, development, delivery and evaluation of the 4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources Program, and by (2) collaborative work with colleagues, teaching and research faculty, regional Extension (EXT) faculty and staff, youth, volunteers, and stakeholders. The position creates systems to help youth, ages 5 to 18, learn about the role of Agriculture and Natural Resources in their lives and explore career possibilities. The position is responsible for the leadership development and educational opportunities in Agriculture and Natural Resources, and it is expected to collaborate with faculty in other fields, especially with other 4-H State Specialists.

The faculty will also be responsible for establishing new and building upon existing collaborations between 4-H, EXT, and the Division of Animal Sciences, as well as with colleagues in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CAFNR). The faculty will build multidisciplinary collaborations with campus faculty to develop programs, events, and will seek external funding, thus contributing to both the research and the engagement mission of the university. This faculty will  contribute to recruitment of undergraduate MU majors as well as graduate programs and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, high-impact experiences (such as internships) for Agriculture and Natural Resources majors. The faculty will also be expected to teach one to two courses per year in CAFNR in a related area such as youth development, agriculture, natural resources, or program evaluation.

The anticipated start date is January 2024. Salary is commensurate with experience, and the position includes ongoing supplemental monetary support for scholarly activities. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. 

The appointment is an annually renewable contract with the MU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Division of Animal Sciences and the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development. The faculty reports to the Director of the Division of Animal Sciences secondary supervision from the Director of the Missouri 4-H center for Youth Development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize agriculture, youth development and education principles to build a science of agriculture program with colleagues, teaching and research faculty, Extension faculty and staff, youth, volunteers, community partners and other stakeholders.
• Provide educational leadership by planning, designing, implementing and evaluating culturally competent educational programs.
• Develop, organize, coordinate and lead comprehensive county, regional and state learning opportunities incorporating the science of agriculture and addressing workforce preparedness in the field of agriculture.
• Generate and manage revenue to sustain and grow science in agriculture programming.
• Build and maintain strong connections with leaders and partners in fields and disciplines that contribute to youth development and the science of agriculture.
• Develop multidisciplinary collaborations with campus faculty to develop programs, events and seek external funding.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS 

• Remain current on trends and research-based knowledge to effectively create relevant, reliable and responsive education. Apply this knowledge in scholarly products such as curriculum, inservice education instruction, articles in professional journals and popular press, presentations at professional meetings, grant proposals.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities to continuously improve skills and increase research-based knowledge. Demonstrate mastery of core competencies, including subject matter expertise, effective and innovate teaching strategies, program development processes, and integration of new and emerging technology.
• Provide statewide leadership for Missouri 4-H in the areas of leadership and civic engagement.
• MU is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellent.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in Agriculture, Animal Sciences, or a related field at time of appointment.   

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Coursework in a discipline or program related to Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Relevant coursework in one or more of the following areas: Agriculture Education, Leadership and Volunteerism. Equivalent experience will be considered. 
• Record of scholarly productivity and evidence of maintaining such public scholarship.
• Professional experience in designing, conducting, and evaluating education opportunities for youth and volunteers.
• Ability to teach and mentor students within a youth/ lifespan development and family science framework.
• Ability to apply knowledge of Agriculture and Natural Resources, collaborations and state and national issues relative to youth.
• Ability to work and engage with department, university, and community members.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system.  It is the state’s land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States.  MU’s broad undergraduate programs and its’ graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students.  MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities.  MU Extension programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension (EXT) and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit http://extension.missouri.edu.

Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development provides hands-on learning and education so youth can build habits of responsibility, resiliency and hard work to success in life. MO 4-H serve more than 50,000 youth around the state with more than 100 state staff, county staff, and 4-H Specialists. 4-H Center is located on Univ of Missouri campus in Columbia.

The Division of Animal Sciences  was founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is the oldest land-grant university west of the Mississippi River. In 1870, the College of Agriculture was established. The Division of Animal Sciences was created from the merger in 1989 of the college’s three departments: Dairy Husbandry (1901), Animal Husbandry (1904), and Poultry Husbandry (1911).

• Faculty members in the Division of Animal Sciences have expertise in nutrition, genetics, physiology, meat science, reproduction and animal management.
• Current faculty members have received numerous prestigious University system, regional, national and international awards regarding teaching, advising, research and extension.
• At Mizzou, you learn from faculty that conduct the research to create the knowledge that is eventually used in textbooks at other colleges. Here, you get the information before it is in the books!
• As a Mizzou Animal Sciences student, you will be assigned a faculty member who will serve as your academic advisor. During meetings with your academic advisor, you will have the opportunity to build your course schedule to meet graduation requirements, find experiential learning opportunities and get help when needed.

The city of Columbia, MO. Ranked by the American Institute for Economic Research as one of the nation’s top 10 college towns, Columbia combines small-town comforts, community spirit and a low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. Our city of about 120,000 people lies midway between Missouri’s largest metro areas: St. Louis and Kansas City. It is home to nationally recognized public schools including two top-ranked high schools and two other colleges and educational centers. It is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues; home to multiple parks and outdoor recreation sites such as Rock Bridge State Park and the MKT Trail; and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals, such as the True/False Film Festival. Come see why Money magazine, Fortune magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Men’s Journal, MSN.com and others have all named Columbia, Missouri one of the best places in the country to live.

SALARY/BENEFITS

Commensurate with education and experience.

This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please the Faculty and Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

The faculty reports to the Division Director of Animal Sciences with secondary supervision from the Director of the 4-H Center for Youth Development.

HOW TO APPLY

Upload application materials including a cover letter describing research/scholarly interests and qualifications, teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, two reprints or preprints of recent manuscripts, and names and contact information for three references (no reference letters are required at this time) to: 

http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/, Job ID 48590.

Questions about the online application system should be directed to MU Human Resources at (573) 882-7976.

Questions about the position should be addressed to the search committee co-chairs: 

Dr. Kellie Seals (kellieseals@missouri.edu) and Maria Calvert (calvertml@missouri.edu)

Values Commitment
 
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.