Extension Assistant/Associate Professor - Horticulture

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a tenure-track Extension Assistant or Associate Professor position specializing in Horticulture and Natural Resources in Wasatch County, Utah. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs that address local needs and enhance quality of life for residents. Faculty also recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local communities, partner agencies, and Utah State University faculty, specialists, and programs.

This position includes county and university responsibilities, with an office located at the USU Extension Wasatch County office in Heber City, Utah.

Wasatch County is located in the Heber Valley of north-central Utah and is known for its agricultural heritage, mountain landscapes, outdoor recreation, and rapidly growing communities. Historically supported by farming, livestock production, and open agricultural lands, the county has experienced substantial residential and commercial development as the Heber Valley continues to attract new residents and visitors.

This growth has increased the importance of water conservation, sustainable landscaping, agricultural land preservation, and responsible natural resource management. Wasatch County is home to Jordanelle, Deer Creek, and Strawberry reservoirs, which provide important water resources for culinary, irrigation, and recreational uses. The Provo River and surrounding watersheds also support recreation, fisheries, wildlife, and regional water needs.

The county’s mix of established agricultural operations, small-acreage properties, new residential developments, and mountain environments creates opportunities for Extension education in horticulture, urban water conservation, soil and plant health, sustainable landscape practices, and natural resource stewardship.

The position requires knowledge of horticulture, water conservation, and natural resource management relevant to the growing needs and changing demographics of Wasatch County. We welcome candidates with diverse interests and experience who can develop practical, research-based educational programs for both long-established and new county residents.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership, Education, and Outreach

• Provide leadership for Extension educational activities focused on horticulture, Master Gardener programs, natural resources, and water conservation in Wasatch County.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs for adults, including homeowners, gardeners, agricultural producers, small-acreage landowners, and community stakeholders.
• Address county needs related to rapid residential growth, water-efficient landscaping, irrigation practices, land stewardship, and protection of natural resources.
• Develop partnerships and use innovative approaches to reach existing clientele and new audiences, including online and virtual courses and social media platforms.

Research, Scholarship, and Evaluation

• Collaborate with on-campus Extension specialists and faculty to develop applied research projects and deliver educational programs.
• Document program outcomes and impacts and produce scholarly publications based on Extension programming.

Grants and Resource Development

• Pursue internal and external funding to support Extension programming.

Administration and Volunteer Management

• Manage assigned budgets, personnel, and volunteers.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Partner with and serve diverse audiences and support Utah State University Extension’s civil rights responsibilities.
• Collaborate with Extension and University personnel, community organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders.

University and Professional Service

• Participate in county and university service activities consistent with Extension faculty expectations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional Practice Track: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or a closely related field.
• Extension Assistant or Associate Rank(Tenure Track): Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Experience teaching adult audiences.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
• Ability to serve as a liaison among federal, state, university, county, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Current driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Developing and delivering programs related to horticulture, natural resources, urban water conservation, and small farm production.
• Working with homeowners, agricultural producers, small-acreage landowners, and rapidly growing communities.
• Master Gardener programs and volunteer-based education.
• Conducting applied research and translating research findings into practical educational resources.
• Grant writing and securing external funding.
• Recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting volunteers.
• Serving diverse and underserved audiences.
• Using social media, online learning, and virtual course development to expand educational outreach.
• Establishing positive relationships with community stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Working within the Land-Grant University or Cooperative Extension system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Water-efficient landscaping practices.
• Irrigation management and water conservation strategies.
• Sustainable horticulture principles and practices.
• Natural resource stewardship and land management.
• Conversing and writing in Spanish.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Transcript(s) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Based on Experience

ADA

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold.

This position requires moderate physical effort. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including lifting up to 25 pounds, walking and standing. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

College/Department Highlights

Utah State University (https://www.usu.edu) is Utah’s land-grant institution, providing research, teaching, and outreach to communities throughout the state. Through USU Extension, the university delivers research-based education and resources to residents in all 29 Utah counties.

Wasatch County offers opportunities to address the intersection of agriculture, natural resources, and community growth. Its mountain environment, reservoirs, agricultural lands, and expanding residential communities provide a setting for research-based Extension programming in horticulture, sustainable landscaping, water conservation, and natural resource management.

USU Extension Wasatch County: https://extension.usu.edu/wasatch/Wasatch County Government: https://www.wasatchcounty.gov/

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026