Extension Assistant Professor or Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a 12‑month, full‑time County Extension faculty position in Agriculture and Natural Resources, serving Wayne County. The position may be appointed as tenure‑track (Extension Assistant/Associate Professor) or non‑tenure track (Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor) depending on degree and experience.

The successful candidate will develop, deliver, and evaluate research‑based educational programs that strengthen agricultural production, natural resource stewardship, and youth development. Extension faculty also recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders and act as liaisons between clientele, partner organizations, and Utah State University.

The position is based in Wayne County, Utah. An office will be provided at the USU Extension office in Loa, Utah. This position also collaborates closely with Sevier County, providing agronomy technical assistance while receiving livestock and range support from Sevier’s faculty.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2026

A master’s degree is required for Extension Assistant or Associate ranks. A bachelor’s degree and substantial professional experience is required for the rank of Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor.

About the RegionWayne County is located in southern Utah, bordered on the east by the Green River and on the southeast by the Colorado River. Its diverse geography includes rugged forests to the west, rocky formations to the east, and the San Rafael Desert at its center. The county is home to Capitol Reef National Park.

Local agricultural and natural resource needs include, crop production, home and production horticulture, natural resource management, 4‑H agriculture programs, including Junior Livestock and Horse programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in crop production, home and production horticulture, natural resource management, and insect, disease, and weed control.
• Provide agronomy technical assistance for both Wayne and Sevier counties in coordination with Sevier County faculty.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate adult agricultural and natural resource programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate 4‑H youth agriculture programs, including Junior Livestock and Horse programs.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders involved in agriculture, horticulture, and youth programming.
• Build partnerships and use creative approaches to reach new and diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with campus specialists to design and conduct applied research and deliver research‑based programming.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support Extension educational programs.
• Document program outcomes and produce scholarly publications based on Extension work.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with Extension colleagues, community groups, government agencies, and local stakeholders such as conservation districts.
• Coordinate with other county Extension staff to deliver impactful programs to residents.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professional Practice Track: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or a closely related field.
• Tenure Track: Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, natural resources, Extension education, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver educational programs.
• Experience teaching adult and youth audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
• Ability to work effectively with federal, state, county, and university partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the county and state.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in:
  • Horticulture and natural resources programming.
  • 4-H Youth Agriculture programs.
• Skills in:
  • Applied research design and delivery.
  • Scholarly writing and publication.
  • Grant writing.
  • Volunteer recruitment and supervision.
  • Using social media in educational outreach.
  • Developing online courses.
• Experience working with community partners, stakeholders and agricultural organizations.
• Prior experience with the Land-Grant university system

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

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

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

3) Academic 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

$60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience and rank; plus excellent benefits

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. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

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 (http://www.usu.edu) is Utah’s Land-Grant Institution with an approximate enrollment of 28,000 students. Through the Extension system, the University extends research-based information across the state. Extension faculty support elected officials and citizens in all 29 Utah counties.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

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, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

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 they 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 12/2025

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

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

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 10/2025