The University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Animal Science is seeking applicants for a new faculty and extension specialist position to work with current faculty and stakeholders in beef cattle husbandry, production, and integrated resource management in Arkansas.  Arkansas has 24,294 beef cattle farms, which are 53% of all farms in Arkansas.  A total of 90% of all beef farms are cow-calf producers, where the average cow herd size is 43 head.  Arkansas beef cattle graze on 5.6 million acres of land. Arkansas ranks 11^th in the U.S. for number of beef cows.

 Responsibilities for this position will include statewide development and implementation of science-based educational outreach programs to increase producer knowledge and understanding of beef cattle husbandry, production, and integrated resource management. Work to assemble and lead multi-agency and trans-disciplinary faculty teams in conducting applied, systems integrated extension programming on ruminant animal nutrition, animal-forage-soil nexus, animal health, and environmental quality in relation to industry needs and state and federal policy. The educational outreach will be delivered using both traditional and digital platforms, and outcome assessments will be developed. This position is expected to provide training, collaboration and support to county agents and programs.

Review of applications will begin July 28, 2025 and will continue until a satisfactory candidate is identified. Please address questions to Dr. Dirk Philipp (dphilipp@uark.edu), Chair, Search Advisory Committee.

Ph.D. in Animal Science (ruminant nutrition, forages, physiology or genetics) or related discipline is required.  The successful candidate will have practical knowledge of U.S. beef cattle production systems, enabling him/her to work with public and private entities and agricultural producers in Arkansas to develop system solutions to practical beef production issues. Experience in beef cattle husbandry and production management is preferred. The ability and interest to effectively contribute to interdisciplinary teams for the promotion of the beef industry should be a goal. Strong communication skills (written and oral) and the ability to secure extramural funding to support applied research and extension programs are also required.

About University of Arkansas- Animal Science Department

The Department of Animal Science program is located in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and has 23 full-time faculty with 300+ majors. The U of A, Fayetteville, is a land grant university with enrollment of more than 32,000 and considered the flagship institution in the state university system. Fayetteville is located in Northwest Arkansas in the scenic Ozark Mountains close to lakes, rivers and national forests. Northwest Arkansas is served by Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, linking the area to nearby international airports. Major cities located within a day’s drive of Fayetteville include: Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas City, Little Rock, Memphis and Shreveport. For more information on the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas please visit www.uark.edu. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to age, race/color, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity. Persons mu...st have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, drug screening, and MVR check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

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