Description

The University of Massachusetts is seeking an innovative leader, experienced scientist, and Extension educator to serve in a full-time, 12-month appointment as Extension Associate or Full Professor and Director of the UMass Cranberry Station located in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The Director will provide: 1) vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in research and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission; 2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; 3) administration of human, physical and financial resources; and 4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.

About UMass Cranberry Station

Established in 1910, located 140 miles east of the main campus in the town of East Wareham, Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cranberry Station is administratively linked to the UMass Amherst Campus, positioned within the College of Natural Resources (CNS) and the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE). It is a research and outreach center charged with the mission of enhancing the economic viability of the Massachusetts Cranberry Industry and serving the public welfare by supporting economic development and the protection of the environment. Currently, there are 16 full-time employees including post-doctoral scholars. The Cranberry Station enjoys an active partnership with USDA-ARS (housing 4 scientists on site), cranberry growers and industry. The facility recently received an investment of $8M+ for substantial renovation and new construction; it has 18 acres of cranberry bog for research and production, with 11 acres on site.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in an applied biological field, including, but not limited to horticulture, plant nutrition, soil science, weed science, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated effective professional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated managerial skills in project management, implementation, and evaluation.
• A record of scholarly achievement and professional activities related to applied research, Extension and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain and direct grant- and/or industry-funded research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong commitment to applied research, Extension programming, and long-term sustainability of agriculture.
• Capacity for advancing innovation for applied agricultural research and Extension programming.
• An exemplary record of scholarly achievement and professional activities related to applied research, extension and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (oral, written) and work with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds within university, industry and public sectors.
• Experience in defining project objectives, strategy development and implementation, and impact assessment.
• Demonstrated competency in the management of people and fiscal resources.
• Experience as a principal investigator or project director.
• Research and extension experience in an agricultural discipline, including, but not limited to horticulture, plant nutrition, soil science, weed science, plant pathology, entomology, agricultural engineering or agricultural economics.
• Participation in institutional and professional service activities that align with the candidate’s strengths.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans. 
• Ability to pursue and build effective and innovative partnerships and opportunities.
• Ability to create a motivating and inclusive work environment, promote teamwork and collaborations.
• Strong commitment to inclusion and the promotion of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action.
• Evidence of effective mentoring and recruiting of faculty, staff and students.
• Experience managing a research farm or similar facility.
• Strong commitment to working with growers and local stakeholders.
• Strong support of and understanding of the mission of a Land Grant university.