Assistant Horticulture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work Location: Red River Research Station, Bossier City, Louisiana.

Position Description: This is a tenure-track position (75% extension, 25% research). The individual will be a faculty member of the LSU AgCenter Northwest Region. This position will be primarily focused on production, processing and marketing of horticulture food and ornamental crops in both an urban and rural environment. Areas of emphasis may include management of the station's current greenhouse tomato operation. and other greenhouse crops, cut-flower, fruit and vegetable production and varietal development, hydroponics, water quality, organic production, and sustainable horticulture.

This is a 12-month tenure track position that will have responsibilities for supporting Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES) horticulture programs focused on horticultural both rural and urban horticulture production systems. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing a regional extension program focusing on horticulture production systems in Northwest Louisiana.

This position will be expected to use a multi-disciplinary approach working with regional LCES horticulture agents, growers, and industry representatives, to deliver programming for commercial scale operations as well as small scale production systems for greenhouse vegetables and cut-flowers, commercial and home vegetables, and fruit orchards. The position is responsible for working with advisory committees and horticulture agents across Northwest Louisiana to identify stakeholder needs, develop programs that respond to those needs, and assess program impact on stakeholders. The position will support stakeholder visits, demonstrations, workshops, and educational meetings. The position will contribute to and disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations through written, oral, video, website, and social media communications. The successful candidate for this position will be required to prepare a strategic plan for the development and execution of a regional educational programing emphasizing production interests and clientele needs and fostering relationships with the horticulture industry and other applicable commodity organizations.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research focused on horticulture production systems with a priority on conducting research to maximize production and efficiencies in both a rural and urban environment. Formal participation in multi-disciplinary, regional, or national research initiatives will be expected. Results of research should be published in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific/technical publications. Extramural funding to support the research and extension program must be secured from federal and state agencies, commodity (state and national) research boards, and appropriate agriculture industries. Participation in regional, departmental and campus committees is expected as a faculty member in a land grant university. Continued education development through association with professional societies and attendance at national and international conferences will be required. The incumbent is expected to perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other LSU AgCenter faculty.

Qualification Requirements: Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, or closely related field is required. Experience in extension programming that fulfills the needs of urban and rural horticulture, greenhouse operation and production, vegetable and fruit production is highly desirable. Good interpersonal skills and leadership abilities are required for working effectively with diverse professional and lay audiences and cooperators. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with diverse audiences including scientific peers, clientele, and agribusiness representatives. Development of scholarly (peer-reviewed) articles and educational curricula/programs for appropriate publications/journals and other outlets, including LSU AgCenter numbered publications, is expected for professional development.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. The candidate selected for this position may qualify for an Endowed Professorship depending on experience, academic rank, and accomplishments.

Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.

Application Deadline: December 23, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU(or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Ronald Strahan, Regional Director

Louisiana State University of Agriculture

Red River Research Station

262 Research Station Drive

Bossier City, La. 71112

Phone: 318-741-7430

E-mail: rstrahan@agcenter.lsu.edu

Website: www.lsuagcenter.com

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.