Assistant Professor: Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 15 May 2025

Position Details
Position Information


Department Crop/Soil Sci Extension (ACS)
Position Title Assistant Professor
Job Title Assistant Professor: Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The College of Agricultural Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position.
This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE tenure-track position at Oregon State University in the department of Crop and Soil Science and college of Agricultural Sciences. This position is funded at 0.75 FTE and the faculty member is expected to fund the other 0.25 FTE from grants and contracts. For the first three years, full funding would be provided by the college at 1.0 FTE. This position has assignment as Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist with a statewide assignment. This position contributes to the missions of OSU Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences with principal responsibility for needs assessment, Extension program development, Extension teaching, and program evaluation.
The recruitment of a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist is part of a coordinated hire of five positions addressing water supply and quality in Oregon. This position will serve to maintain and augment the capabilities and leadership of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) in the field of water resources, and specifically water quality. This position will directly strengthen Oregon’s agricultural competitiveness by innovative solutions to current water quality problems in managed and natural systems and address the stated goals of our Department of Crop and Soil Science (CSS), CAS and the University, while addressing priorities of national and global relevance. This position contributes to the stated mission of Oregon State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station, Extension Service, and the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Goals: The incumbent will develop a nationally recognized extension and applied research program with measurable impacts, to assist agricultural producers in sustaining or enhancing crop productivity while maintaining or increasing groundwater and surface water quality and quantity associated with agricultural practices. This position in water quality is a statewide position with expectations to provide leadership on-campus and off-campus.
Expectations: The incumbent will develop an Extension water quality program that meets clientele needs, and advance water quality management technologies across the agricultural landscape. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the Water Cluster Hire faculty (Irrigation Engineer, Groundwater Management Engineer and the Environmental Chemistry and Toxicologist Specialist) to support statewide efforts to use water efficiently.Critical outcomes will be: The development of ongoing public-private partnerships that address critical water quality needs; enhance the capability of agricultural professionals to address site-specific water quality issues; enhance the visibility and involvement of OSU faculty in agricultural water quality issues; and the inclusion of diverse and under-served communities.
It is expected that water quality issues will evolve over time. Existing issues include nutrient management, nitrate leaching to shallow and deep aquifers, effect of changing irrigation systems on water quality, groundwater contamination, microbial water quality and food safety issues, and drainage system management. As water quality issues evolve over time the focus will evolve based on needs assessments.
The incumbent is likewise expected to work closely with faculty in the Department of Crop and Soil Science, other CAS and OSU faculty as well as growers to develop and conduct applied research that is novel and relevant to state- wide clientele needs; and develop and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across multiple extension state teams and outside institutions. The incumbent is expected to interact with state and federal environmental regulatory agencies, growers and landowners outside the urban areas, and maintain active and effective communication with faculty, staff and stakeholders.
In addition to peer-reviewed publications and in-person presentations, the incumbent is expected to develop original research-based content to engage audiences through innovative educational methods such as online courses, videos, mobile apps and electronic publications. These programs will be delivered to county agents, growers, landowners, consultants and agribusiness personnel. The incumbent will work with state and county faculty by providing information, educational materials, training and workshops to diverse stakeholders.
Although the position will be based at the Corvallis campus, this position is a statewide appointment. The incumbent is expected to travel to field research sites, workshops and presentations, and is expected to be a leader on soil water quality issues and research, and will work with and support Extension and research faculty located across Oregon.
Teaching Mission: College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences.
Inclusive community: Oregon State University and the Department of Crop and Soil Science are committed to maintaining and enhancing a collaborative and inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity. All employees of the Department are responsible for helping to ensure that these goals are achieved. In addition, all faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Department programs to ensure that all people have equal program participation opportunities. The incumbent will contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in promotion and tenure dossiers. Community Agreements for Real Engagement (CARE) Commitment https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf

Tenure: This position carries the general and specific responsibilities of a faculty member described in the Faculty Handbook and the promotion and tenure guidelines of Oregon State University. These include effective research and extension programs, demonstrable scholarship and creative activity, service contributions, and active professional development.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50% Extension and Related Research
  • Maintain and augment the capabilities and leadership of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) in the field of water resources, and specifically water quality.
  • In collaboration with Oregon stakeholders, develop economically feasible procedures, practices and protocols to improve water quality in soils and aquifers associated with diverse agricultural production systems.
  • Lead efforts that demonstrably improve physical, chemical and biological metrics of water quality in diverse Oregon agricultural operations over time.
  • Integrate and summarize key research and regulatory information associated with soil water quality for audiences, including county faculty, growers, regulators and the general public.
  • Obtain funding to support related research and support graduate students and trainees.
  • Engage in at least one Multistate or Integrated Extension and Research Activity (ERA) project.
  • Develop and maintain working relationship with relevant government agencies (e.g., ODA, DEQ, US EPA), agricultural commodity groups, NGOs, local governments (e.g., SWCD, NRCS, Biosolids groups).
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with research/extension counterparts in Oregon and other states.
  • Combine laboratory and field experimentation with modeling tools to scale up local experimental findings addressing issues across the state with different environmental condition.
  • Stay current with and interpret scientific advances, technological and industry developments, and trends at state, regional, national and international levels. Where relevant, test these developments under Oregon cropping and climatic conditions. Integrate and summarize key research and regulatory information for audiences, including growers, water quality in a timely manner. Use multiple methods of electronic communication to collaborate internally and externally as appropriate.
  • Successfully utilize technology as a tool to increase the impact of program delivery.
  • Collaborate with OSU colleagues and with colleagues at other institutions in research projects that have an extension component relevant to your program.


20 % Extension Education, teaching and advising
  • Develop innovative educational materials and effective teaching methods that meet clientele needs.
  • Develop an annual Extension plan-of-work addressing educational needs, and evaluate the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences as appropriate.
  • Provide statewide opinion leaders and decision makers with the technical information necessary for making forward-looking decisions.
  • Assist agricultural producers and rural landowners with appropriate information to ensure that they have the necessary tools to maintain a healthy watershed while maintaining an economically viable operation.
  • Work with graduate students to publish thesis and other scholarly works.

20 % Scholarship
  • Scholarship is creative, intellectual work that is both validated by peers and communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as defined by the incumbent’s position description.
  • Validation of scholarship through procurement of competitive grants.
  • To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. Documentation must be provided that shows these scholarly outputs have had an impact.
  • Maintaining a solid record of peer reviewed research articles and extension publications is expected.
  • Serves as either major advisor or committee member for graduate students. Encouraged to mentor undergraduate students.

5% Supervision
  • Supervises Postdocs, FRAs, temporary workers, and/or student workers as funding allows.

5% Service
  • The incumbent is expected to advance their professional discipline through service to professional organizations.
  • Serve the University and general public by providing timely science-based information to the public including through popular and trade publications and the news media.
  • Assume departmental duties as assigned by the CSS Department Head. Participate in university and college service in consultation with the Department Head.
What You Will Need
  • PhD in soil or water science or closely related field with disciplinary expertise in water quality by employment start-date.
  • Experience in water quality research associated with agricultural systems. Scholarship in the field of water quality associated with agricultural issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to obtain extramural funding for program operations, development and enhancement.
  • Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated success working independently with minimal supervision and as a part of a team.
  • Experience using multiple forms of electronic communication, including websites and social media in research and/or instruction.
  • Demonstrated success developing and delivering educational materials to a diverse audience.
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion in an educational environment.


This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience in the Land Grant University System.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead education and outreach programs, and development of educational resources used in these programs.
  • Demonstrated experience in development and management of a successful field-based research program.
  • Ability to instruct both large and small groups.
  • Experience with Extension education and informal education delivery methods.
  • Experience in agricultural water management.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in watershed science, particularly with geographic/mapping.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing technological environment. Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead groups and to plan, organize, evaluate, manage and delegate details associated with program management.
  • Life experience, education, and/or training that broaden capacity to equalize learner success or impact underserved audiences.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Due to statewide assignment, the incumbent will need to travel for field research, workshops and presentations
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/166843

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P08954UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/16/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/03/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 05/15/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV;
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position; and
3) A statement of research.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact: Markus Kleber, markus.kleber@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu .

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