Assistant Professor of Forage Agronomy and State Forage Extension Specialist

Posting Number : F2462P

Working Title :

Assistant Professor of Forage Agronomy and State Forage Extension Specialist

Department :

CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

About the University of Georgia :

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College / Unit / Department :

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences resides in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which has teaching, research, and outreach programs at three campuses across the state : Athens, Griffin and Tifton. The department has teaching, research, and extension faculty at all three locations which conduct basic and applied research that is important to clientele in the state of Georgia and that adds to the body of knowledge basic to agricultural production and environmental management. The Department has faculty with expertise that can be grouped into three general areas : Cultivar Development, Genetics, and Biotechnology; Crop Management, Physiology, and Weed Management; and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.

College / Unit / Department website :

https : / / cropsoil.uga.edu /

Posting Type : External

Retirement Plan : TRS or ORP

Employment Type : Employee

Benefits Eligibility :

Benefits Eligible

Advertised Salary :

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date :

12 / 01 / 2025

Job Posting Date : 08 / 25 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Apply by September 29, 2025 for full consideration.

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Assistant Professor

Faculty Rank : Assistant Professor

Contract Type : Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field.

Position Summary :

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at The University of Georgia is seeking applicants for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist in Forage Agronomy, to be located at the Athens Campus. The successful candidate will develop an applied research and Extension program focusing on forage production and management, emphasizing practices that introduce novel, sustainable approaches that integrate technology.

The incumbent will be a member of a large faculty group in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and will be actively engaged in scholarly activities of research and extension outreach, including working closely with County Extension Agents across the state.

Additional Requirements :

The successful candidate should have a record of conducting research on forage production practices, involving novel approaches that support and enhance grassland and pasture management systems. The candidate must also demonstrate evidence of innovative thinking, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students and industry stakeholders to develop a collaborative research and Extension program. Potential for establishing a strong record of extramural funding, publication in refereed journals, and outreach is required.

Relevant / Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and / or Certification :

Desired qualifications include extensive practical knowledge and one year of experience in forages and animal agriculture production systems as well as one year of experience with Extension programming or working with farmers.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

Demonstrated oral and written communication skills are essential.

Physical Demands :

Sitting at a desk for extended periods.

Working in an outdoor environment in both hot and cold temperatures on farm and field settings.

Is this a Position of Trust? :

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties / Responsibilities :

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Develop a robust Extension program that considers the needs of Georgia forage producers and delivers programming, with measurable outcomes, to meet those needs. This includes working closely with County Extension Agents on troubleshooting, trainings, and county-based meetings across the state. Dissemination of applied research results and educational materials through extension publications and other types of written, audio, and / or visual means are an essential part of this role.
• Develop a research program focused on contemporary forage production systems and evaluation of relevant technologies.
• Write grants and collaborate with other faculty members to secure extramural funding to support an innovative and sustainable extension and research program in forage agronomy.
• Participate in graduate student mentoring and education.
• Provide dissemination of results through Cooperative Extension and publish in appropriate outlets for Extension and research audiences, including peer reviewed journals.
• Assist in other tasks as assigned by the department.

Percentage Of Time : 100