County Agent III (Assistant Professor) - Commercial Agricultural Production - Bergen County

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a community-engaged scholar to provide leadership, educational programming, and applied research-based information in commercial agricultural production, with expertise in commercial and consumer horticulture production, and in sustainable environmental, land care, and natural resource management. This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of County Agent Ill (equivalent to Assistant Professor). This position is located at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Bergen County, 1 Bergen County Plz, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization that empowers all staff to contribute toward a vision for success. Rutgers University and the ANR Department have a strong commitment to attracting faculty from all backgrounds and providing excellence in community engagement. following the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan) and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Diversity Plan (https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/).We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, this position will provide county and regional leadership and collaboration across working groups, stakeholders, and Extension Departments and Specialists, specifically in commercial and consumer horticulture and turf production and management.

Master's Degree from an accredited institution in horticulture, plant science, or other closely related field is required. In addition, applicants should have three years related experience after bachelor's degree. Experience or course work in ornamental horticulture, integrated pest management, natural resource management, working with diverse audiences, and/or
collaboration/coalition building are highly sought after. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desirable

Current licensure (or the ability to acquire) as a NJ Tree Expert, ISA Certified Arborist, and/or certifications from professional associations in the turf and ornamental sectors are preferred but not required. Current (or ability to acquire) a valid New Jersey driver's license, ability to successfully complete Rutgers and/or Bergen County Defensive Driving Course and other HR trainings as required. NJDEP Pesticide Applicator's License, or the ability to acquire one within the first 18 months of hire, is also required.

This position is responsible for assisting clientele in implementing and sustaining proper horticultural management techniques in commercial and consumer ornamental production and landscape settings. The successful candidate will also work with agricultural producers and commercial landscapers to support effective educational opportunities aligned with regulatory programs such as NJ DEP pesticide control, water allocation, fertilizer use, etc. This position also assists in supervision and delivery of ANR volunteer training programs within Bergen County and in the region.

Additionally

Computer, printer, and related software including but not limited
to Microsoft Office suite; Email for communications and research, locally and
nationally, Equipment related to programming and teaching (laptop, LCD projector, etc.); digital cameras, etc. Demonstrated computer literacy and working knowledge of current and changing electronic technology.

Ability to work evenings andweekends as needed. Successfully and efficiently work in both office and researchfarm settings and field visits. Comfortable and accustomed to working in urban and
rural agricultural settings.

This ANR County Agent Ill in Bergen County is expected to establish an outstanding program in commercial and consumer horticulture and landscape management, the merits of which will lead to regional and/or national recognition.

Bergen County Commercial Agriculture and Crop Production Statistics:
Bergen County, the most populous county in the state, is in the northeastern corner of New Jersey. It's a highly developed suburb of New York City bordering the Hudson River. Bergen County is known for its high per-capita income and being one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Commercial agriculture is highly diversified in Bergen County, producing a variety of ornamental plants, vegetables, and orchard fruits, along with an active agritourism sector. As of the 2022 Ag Census, 771 acres were devoted to production across 73 farms, with a market value of products sold exceeding $10 M. In addition, Bergen County boasts more than 9,000 acres of parks, six world-class golf courses, five outstanding colleges, and a wide range of entertainment and sports venues, including MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands. The county contains a mix of landscapes, from highly urbanized, high-density places to quasi-rural locations and natural areas. The landscapes vary from the upland cliffs of the Palisades and the Ramapo rampart to the wetlands of the Meadowlands of the Hackensack and Passaic River valleys.

Members of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and natural resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management ( IPM), and other related subjects. https://njaes. rutgers.edu/anr/.

Statement of Values: Provide a statement that allows you to describe examples of your experiences in leadership, mentoring, and/or community engagement that resonate with the values and mission of Rutgers University as a land grant university serving a diverse state and student body. (Please use Other Documents attachment location)

Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension of Bergen County
1 Bergen County Plz
Hackensack, NJ 07601