Department Head - Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
Application
Details
Posted: 07-Oct-24
Location: Moscow, Idaho
Type: Full Time
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Categories:
Academic
Required Education:
Doctorate
Internal Number: 45718
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking to hire a full professor with tenure to serve as the Department Head of the Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences. The AVFS Department Head oversees all personnel, curricular, programmatic, financial, and administrative functions of the unit. They monitor, plan and manage unit budgets, resources, and facilities. The AVFS Department Head serves as the principal representative of the department and will oversee the administration of all academic, research, and University of Idaho Extension activities within the department. The AVFS Department Head monitors processes and procedures relating to human resources including recruitment, career development, performance evaluations, and retention of faculty and staff. The AVFS Department Head promotes the unit within and outside the University and establishes effective liaisons nationally and internationally within the discipline. The Department Head also promotes quality instruction and works with faculty to identify existing and emerging opportunities and develop strategies to enhance the teaching and learning environment. The AVFS Department Head provides mentorship for the research and scholarly activities of the department faculty, Extension and outreach activities conducted within the department, and ensures priority needs are met as identified by stakeholders. The department head is expected to fulfill university service and leadership equaling 55% of their job duties. The successful candidate will have a bold vision in academics, research and Extension, and strong leadership skills to maximize the department’s potential and embrace the many opportunities for growth.
The successful candidate will provide and promote quality instruction in undergraduate and graduate programs and will work with faculty to identify existing and emerging opportunities to develop strategies that enhance the teaching, advising and learning environment (15%). They will evaluate, counsel, communicate, and promote professional development of students and assist with recruiting and retention of motivated students within the department.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to retain and expand their research program in accordance with their field of expertise and are encouraged to publish research findings in high quality refereed journals, obtain external research funding, and mentor graduate student research. Additionally, they will provide mentorship for the research and scholarly activities (20%) of the faculty in the department, including areas of research such as animal genetics, reproduction, growth and development, nutrition, lactation, meat and milk quality, and animal health. The successful candidate is expected to create an environment that fosters collegiality and teamwork in growing the external research funding portfolio of the department.
In collaboration with the Associate Dean/Director of Extension, the successful candidate provides leadership for Extension and outreach activities (10%) conducted within the department while ensuring priority needs as identified by stakeholders are addressed. They will be expected to maintain external relationships with departmental stakeholders in all aspects of the animal, veterinary and food science fields across the state and region. They will also communicate and foster relationships with clientele, including departmental alumni and governmental leaders.
The successful candidate must demonstrate an understanding of the land grant mission of the department and college, be a strong advocate for all aspects of the department and provide leadership for the collaborative Washington-Idaho-Montana (WIM) regional program in veterinary medicine.
Animal Industry and Departmental Description
Idaho agricultural receipts in 2023 totaled over $11 billion, of which over 60% was from animal agriculture. Animal agriculture is the largest sector of Idaho’s agriculture industry, accounting for $6.2 billion. In addition, major dairy and beef processors are located in Idaho. As such, AVFS is positioned to tackle complex issues and prepare students to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The Department Head will play an integral role in advancing college initiatives that support the department and enhance teaching, research, and Extension efforts in animal, veterinary and food science. Current initiatives include the Idaho Center for Food, Agriculture and the Environment (CAFE) located in southcentral Idaho and the new Meat Science and Innovation Center (MISC) – home to Vandal Brand Meats – on the Moscow campus.
Currently the department consists of a diverse faculty that includes 26 faculty with 17 faculty on the Moscow campus and 9 located at Research & Extension enters around the state. Research, education and extension centers (REECs) which provide support for animal science research are budgeted and managed by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station. These include the Beef, Dairy and Sheep Units in Moscow, the Nancy M. Cummings REEC in Salmon (beef and forage), the Rinker Rock Creek Ranch in Hailey (range and beef), and the Aquaculture Research Institute in Hagerman and Meat Science laboratory. In addition, collaborative arrangements for teaching and research exist with the USDA-ARS Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois. The successful candidate will work closely with unit leaders in the college to oversee the teaching, extension and research activities of the beef, dairy, sheep, and aquaculture farms operated by U of I.
Location
The position will be located on the idyllic University of Idaho campus and is co-located throughout the beautiful and rugged state of Idaho. The main campus is based in Moscow, a growing and lively community with all the benefits and opportunities typically available in a college town, such as excellent public and private schools, restaurants, and free public transportation as well as a plethora of diverse sports, world-class outdoor activities, and performing and visual arts offerings.
The University of Idaho is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The University is committed to the policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status as protected under applicable federal, state or local law in employment or educational programs.
Required Qualifications
Earned Ph.D. or D.V.M. in an appropriate discipline with an emphasis in Animal Science.
Must hold the rank of full professor with tenure.
Experience with leadership.
Experience mentoring professional colleagues.
Experience with financial management of large units.
Experience working collaboratively across disciplinary lines with colleagues and stakeholders from a wide variety of cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds including providing stakeholders with information in oral and written venues.
Along with your on-line application, write a letter of qualification addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
In addition, your application materials must include a CV, names & contact information for at least three (3) professional references, and unofficial transcripts.
For questions, please contact: Stephen Cook College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 208-885-7984 stephenc@uidaho.edu
About the University of Idaho
Since 1889, the University of Idaho has provided motivated students with a transformative higher education experience that prepares them to solve real-world problems and achieve success in their lives and careers. Beginning with our beautiful residential campus in Moscow, the university’s reach extends throughout Idaho, serving over 11,000 students with educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls; nine Research and Extension centers; and Extension offices in 42 counties. One of the nation’s land-grant research universities, U of I is a noted national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service. Our work serves businesses and communities, advancing the pursuit of diversity, citizenship and global outreach.