College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Summary

The Department of Horticulture (www.hrt.msu.edu) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a 12-month, non-tenure system faculty position to provide horticultural instruction and coordinate communication, recruiting and alumni relations efforts.  The position will be filled at the Academic Specialist/Teacher level. The successful candidate is expected to be an effective educator and mentor of undergraduate students and engage in institutional and professional service.

Instructional responsibilities may include up to 12 credits from the following topic areas: Introduction to Horticulture, Horticulture Career Development, International Studies in Horticulture, Horticulture Business Management and/or Horticulture Marketing.  Expertise for teaching Landscape Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Management Specifications and/or Landscape Contract Management will also be considered.  In addition to teaching responsibilities, the candidate will participate in supervising undergraduate internships and help to build relationships with horticultural industries. Additional responsibilities will be to help coordinate the alignment between departmental learning objectives, course design and content, and assessment. This includes working with course instructors on developing, reviewing, and revising learning objectives for undergraduate courses as well as collecting and analyzing learning objectives data each semester and presenting results to the Department and College. When needed, the candidate will work with faculty and the Department Chairperson to implement changes to learning outcomes assessments.

The successful candidate will coordinate the Department’s recruiting efforts, including participating in University and College recruiting and outreach programs, contacting potential majors and allied institutions to maximize the visibility of our programs and horticulture as a profession.  The successful candidate also will serve as the contact person for the Department’s outward-facing communication efforts.  Responsibilities include enhancing the Department’s social media presence to promote the Department’s accomplishments and impact through news feeds/press releases, highlight/focus articles, etc., as well as maintaining the alumni newsletter and helping coordinate events/fundraising opportunities with undergraduate students and alumni. 

The person filling this position will join a large and well-established faculty that includes a wide diversity of expertise in horticulture, plant physiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and marketing, as well as a network of horticultural extension educators across the state. Benefits include a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s background, education and experience, and attractive health, dental and retirement plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Horticulture or other plant-sciences

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Horticulture or other plant-sciences

Minimum Requirements

• M.S. in horticulture or other plant science-related discipline, or in landscape design or public gardens management (such as M.L.A. or Masters in Public Horticulture)
• Teaching experience at least at the junior/community college level
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively
• A passion for education and student mentoring

Desired Qualifications

• Teaching experience at a 4-year college or university
• Student recruitment experience related to growing course and/or major enrollment
• Experience working in a diverse environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching/communication methods designed for broad student/stakeholder success
• Knowledge/experience teaching or developing online courses
• Familiarity with course learning outcomes and their assessment

Required Application Materials

• letter of application that summarizes your experience and qualifications for the position
•  current curriculum vitae and teaching portfolio if available
•  statements of Teaching philosophy that highlights your experience and alignment with the position description and required/desired qualifications
•  a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals
•  contact information for three professional references

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

There are two different postings listed on careers.msu.edu for this one open position based on qualifications.  To be considered for the opening based on your qualifications you must have applied for the position you are eligible to fill, candidates cannot be transferred from one posting to another.  If in doubt as to which is appropriate, please apply for both.  Posting #793153 is the other positing related to this opening.  

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Guo-qing Song

Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, songg@msu.edu, 517-353-0384.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/14/2022

Website

hrt.msu.edu