Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24152

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Michael Ivie

mivie@montana.edu

406-994-4610

Classification Title

Working Title Extension Agronomic Entomologist

Brief Position Overview

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Assistant Professor

Position Number 4B3258

Department Plant Sciences

Division College of Agriculture/MAES

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The PSPP Department conducts research, extension, and teaching in the broad areas of biology, including but not limited to agronomy, horticulture, plant biology, plant pathology, genetics, entomology, sustainable crop production, and landscape design. This faculty position will contribute to the entomology area, with a specific emphasis on agronomic crops.

We seek a highly qualified and enthusiastic extension/research entomologist to contribute to our programs. This is a full-time, tenure track renewable fiscal year contract; 55% extension, 35% research and 10% service. The successful candidate will develop an innovative and collaborative extension and research program focused on agronomic entomology relevant to Montana and the missions of the Department, College and University, and that address MSU’s Grand Challenges (https://www.montana.edu/strategicplan/improvinglives.html).

The successful candidate will also advise graduate students in the MS Entomology program, as well as participate in undergraduate research projects for the Entomology Minor. Opportunities exist to participate in Graduate Seminars, Special Topics and guest teaching that supports the Department and Entomology Group programs, and are encouraged.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts extension programs in agronomic entomology across Montana, including communication with clientele using a variety of media. Extensive travel will be a part of this position.

• Conducts research in the field of agronomic entomology with a Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Project.

• Supports their research with extramural funding and publish original research in refereed journals and other appropriate venues. Active participation and service in professional entomology organizations is expected.

• Active participation and service in professional entomology organizations.

• Advises students in the Entomology MS and Minor programs and PSPP PhD programs.

• Engage county- and reservation-based Extension faculty and create partnerships with professional associations, producer groups, and stakeholders to increase Extension’s success in efficiently identifying and meeting the needs of Montanans related to agroeconomic entomology.

• Assess clientele, stakeholder and field faculty needs and develop resources and trainings that advance the mission of Extension.

  Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D. in entomology or related field at time of appointment.

• Experience in planning, facilitating, and teaching successful Extension or other outreach focused educational programs.

• Demonstrated excellence in research and a publication record commensurate with career level.

  Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Previous entomology agronomic extension and research experience.

• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding.

• Past record of scholarly activity in applied and/or basic entomological research.

• An existing research program that can be adapted to Montana Agricultural Experiment Station programs.

• Evidence of productive interactions with industry, agencies, and academic groups.

• Evidence of potential for successful mentoring of graduate students.

• Demonstrated ability to foster and support diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

  The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess excellent written and oral English communications skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others.

• Possess effective interpersonal skills.

• Be committed to the Extension mission and student success.

• Contribute successfully to PSPP and Entomology Group extension, teaching, research, and service.

  Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

Extensive travel throughout the state to meet with constituents.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Program

The Department

The College

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on August 1, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

To apply, please upload the following documents:

• A cover letter addressing interest in the position including how you meet each of the required and preferred qualifications.

• Curriculum Vita or resume.

• Three references.

• An explanation of your Extension philosophy and how your background prepares you to meet the needs of a combined Extension and Research position in Montana.

• A statement of how your proposed area of research will contribute to the MAES mission.

  Diversity Statement

Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career (https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-hiring-onboarding/dual_career/dualcareer.html) couples.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-hiring-onboarding/dual_career/dualcareer.html