Horticulture Extension Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a top research university in the circumboreal north, and is on the leading edge of addressing agricultural production in a changing northern climate. This position is located in Fairbanks with the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) and has access to three research farms in Fairbanks, Delta-Junction, and Palmer Alaska, as well as the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks. Programs in the institute have a long history of working on agricultural and horticultural production projects including peony and rhodiola production, use of hoop houses and controlled environments, and production of annual specialty crops. IANRE has a long history of working with the agriculture and horticulture industry hosting conferences and trainings. The Institute maintains offices in key areas of agricultural production providing this position with an easy pathway to collaborate with industry stakeholders, and identify research priorities that have direct impact on production. In addition to agronomic researchers, the position will work with a well established Agriculture and Horticulture program with a long history of hosting the Master Gardener Program training in various parts of Alaska. The Institute provides a great opportunity to work with a dynamic group of professionals and stakeholders to address existing horticultural production issues.

In this position, the successful candidate will conduct applied research on agricultural and horticultural crop production and markets. Research topics will encompass variety testing, developing practices suitable for both small‑and‑large‑scale production, and innovating solutions for challenges like pests and cultivation in cold climates. The candidate will collaborate with professional colleagues, industry members, and field representatives to develop and implement applied research programs, and design clear evaluation protocols to report on their impacts. Research progress will be communicated through reports and peer‑reviewed journals. It is crucial that research results be communicated in a way that allows the public and industry professionals to adopt management solutions. This involves publishing easy‑to‑understand methods of plant cultivation and production, presenting research results to various audiences, and responding to questions from both the general public and industry professionals regarding production methods.

The successful candidate will also participate in extension activities, and collaborate with other faculty in the Master Gardener program to update the Master Gardener Manual as needed, maintain the online Canvas Master Gardener course, and assist Extension offices in policies and procedures to manage Master Gardener program volunteers. Publish Extension publications, and provide outreach through Extension outlets on topics of agriculture and horticulture. The successful candidate will write interdisciplinary grant proposals that involve faculty, post‑docs, graduate, and undergraduate students. The position is a 9‑month term funded position, with possibility of extension to 12 months if additional funds are acquired. The candidate will be responsible for pursuing additional funding to compliment the base funded tasks. As part of research and collaboration, the successful candidate will mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds within the University of Alaska system. They will also collaborate with faculty and colleagues to evaluate and develop research strategies. This requires the ability to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams and effectively translate northern agriculture and stakeholder needs into relevant research approaches and projects. Collaborative work will include researchers in various Alaska locations and research organizations outside the state.

To thrive in this role, a successful applicant must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a specific emphasis on listening to and interpreting the needs of Alaska’s agricultural and horticultural food producers. You will be responsible for translating complex research findings into practical guidance for field production, communicating effectively with both technical and general audiences. Essential technical skills include the ability to address emerging issues such as new crop cultivation, crop pests management, and adapting to a changing climate.

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field; a track record of demonstrated research excellence; the ability to develop research collaborations with private and public sector organizations.
• A combination of a Master of Science in Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field, combined with successful acquisition of grants to perform research in this field.

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a full‑time, term‑funded, exempt faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

The ability to obtain an Alaska Driver’s License and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.