Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist-Weed Ecology

Company: WTS International
Location: College Park
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

The Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (PSLA) invites applications for a 12-month tenure track Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist position, with an appointment that has 45% Extension, 50% research and 5% teaching responsibilities. The Specialist will be tenured in the PSLA Department and will provide statewide leadership to University of Maryland Extension personnel and others by investigating and developing novel sustainable weed management practices. They will serve the turfgrass and ornamental industries including nurseries; residential, commercial and public landscapes; golf courses, athletic fields, and/or sod farms. Situated between Washington, DC and the nation's iconic Chesapeake Bay, the University of Maryland possesses unique proximity to urban, suburban, and rural environments offering diverse opportunities to develop novel research and extension projects. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Research: Develop a nationally recognized, extramurally-funded weed ecology program that informs the turfgrass and ornamental industries. The person will publish results in relevant peer-reviewed journals. This program could include innovative research on sustainable methods to limit weed encroachment and reduce or eliminate herbicide use. We especially seek candidates who have strengths in one or more of the following fields: the effects of climate change on weed ecology and invasive species management, weed taxonomy, risk assessment, or mechanisms of herbicide resistance. Research should be directed towards the development of weed management strategies that are informed by ecological principles for current and emerging weeds in the turfgrass and ornamental industries. Extension: The candidate will meet the needs of the Maryland turfgrass and ornamental industries by developing and implementing educational programs and materials based on research-based information. Activities will include presenting information at professional and educational meetings; assisting in the coordination of existing and new educational events including an annual conference and annual field day; writing and updating Extension publications; developing training materials for pesticide recertification; conducting in-service training for Extension educators, and innovative use of social media technology. The incumbent is expected to play an active advisory role in state turfgrass and ornamental industry organizations such as the Maryland Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Maryland Turfgrass Council, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Shore Associations of Golf Course Superintendents, Maryland Turfgrass Association, and the Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association. Depending on the expertise of the candidate, duties could also include representing the College on the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Invasive Plant Advisory Committee and supporting the Norton-Brown Herbarium. Teaching: The incumbent contributes to the on-campus teaching mission by teaching one 3 credit course per year. Additional Duties: Faculty members are expected to serve the professional community through review of publications and participation on competitive grant panels, in national and international professional meetings, and other activities. It is also expected that this individual will participate in other duties and committees as required by the department, college, and university; and interact with organizations representing their clientele groups in the state and region.

Keywords: WTS International, Washington DC , Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist-Weed Ecology, Education / Teaching , College Park, DC