Description

The WVU Extension Service is seeking applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. The position is a 100% Extension appointment and will collaborate with Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty to support West Virginia’s forage and livestock industries.

Major Responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop a vibrant Extension program that is focused on providing unbiased, research-based information on forage production for livestock and associated ecosystem services. This position will develop and deliver information to Extension Agents and producers on sustainable and profitable forage production systems.

Expectations of the Position:

Independently and collaboratively work with other faculty, WVU Extension agents, and key partners to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate practical, science-based educational programs for forage management that will benefit the West Virginia forage production and livestock industries
Provide training and develop relevant educational materials for county faculty
Lead the continued growth of outreach events marketed towards those working in the forage production systems.
Work closely with commodity groups, state, and federal agencies to improve the reach of educational information to stakeholders
Apply for and receive extramural funding (grants, contracts, gifts, and fees) to support extension programming and applied research that results in scholarly, peer reviewed publications (Extension publications, abstracts, and journal articles).
Conduct an applied research program in support of Extension educational programs with emphasis on forage management and production recommendations; specifically, grazing managements role in profitable forage livestock systems, stored forage production (hay, baleage, silage, etc.), soil-plant interactions, forage fertilization and plant nutrient requirements.
Present research results to stakeholder groups and at professional meetings (such as Appalachian Grazing Conference, American Forage and Grassland Council, Mid-Atlantic Crop School, Crop Science Society of America)
The successful candidate will be expected to translate research findings into both print and digital educational (social media, YouTube) resources on forage management
Understands and conveys the philosophy, objectives and policies of WVU Extension Service
A strong commitment to departmental, institutional, and professional citizenship such as student recruitment and retention, service on committees, and other institutional service is required

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in agronomy, animal sciences, or a related field of animal agriculture.
The successful candidate will have a background in forage agronomy and production.
Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research resulting in peer-reviewed publications is also required.
Candidates must also demonstrate evidence of energetic leadership and innovative thinking, have excellent interpersonal skills, have excellent communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students and industry to develop collaborative research and Extension programs.
Desired qualifications include extensive practical knowledge of and experiences in forages and animal agriculture production systems and prior experience with Extension programming or working with farmers
Special Requirements:

Ability to meet travel demands of position, which will include travel statewide to assist with educational program delivery, conduct on-farm research projects, and meet with stakeholder groups
Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends.
Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties of the position.
Must be able to pass the Children on Campus and Title IX required trainings.
Must have a valid driver’s license
Position is expected to begin July 2023.
Closing date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The Specialist position is responsible to the ANR Program Director for all ANR programmatic and administrative matters