Extension Assistant/Associate Professor or Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor- Agriculture and Natural Resources (Uintah County)

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a 12‑month, full‑time County Extension faculty position focused on agriculture and natural resources. This role may be appointed as tenure‑track (Extension Assistant/Associate Professor) or non‑tenure track (Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor), depending on academic credentials and experience.

 

The successful candidate will develop, deliver, and evaluate research‑based educational programs that strengthen agricultural enterprises and improve quality of life for youth and adults. USU Extension faculty recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders and serve as liaisons to the local clientele, university and other agencies. The position requires knowledge of production agriculture (alfalfa and grass hay), livestock production (especially beef cattle), and 4-H agriculture programs (Jr. Livestock). We welcome candidates with diverse interests and experience related to these areas.

 

The position is based in Vernal, Utah, serving Uintah County and Daggett County, a rural region known for livestock and hay production, oil and gas development, tourism, and rich natural history.

 

An office will be provided at the USU Extension office in Vernal. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

 

A Master's degree is required for Extension Assistant or Associate ranks. A Bachelor's degree and substantial professional experience is required for the rank of Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor.

 

About the Region

Uintah County (eastern Utah) includes parts of the Uinta Mountain range, the city of Vernal, Dinosaur National Monument, and a mix of agricultural, energy, and tourism‑based industries.

 

Daggett County, bordering Wyoming and Colorado, is one of Utah’s smallest counties (<1,000 residents) where local agriculture centers on beef cattle and sheep production.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and education in:
  • Alfalfa and grass hay production
  • Livestock production, especially beef cattle
  • Pasture and rangeland management
  • Insect and weed control
  • General agricultural practices
• Respond to public horticulture questions and support home horticulture programming.
• Lead and support the USU Master Gardener Program.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate adult agriculture programs.
• Collaborate with the 4‑H Coordinator to support youth agricultural learning, including Junior Livestock programs.
• Build partnerships and use innovative approaches to reach new and diverse audiences.
• Work with USU specialists to design and conduct applied research and deliver research‑based programming.
• Pursue external funding to support Extension educational programs.
• Document program outcomes and develop scholarly publications based on Extension work.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Extension colleagues, community organizations, government agencies, Farm Bureau, Conservation Districts and other stakeholders.
• Work in cooperation with the other county extension staff to provide beneficial programs to the county’s residents.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professional Practice Track: Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, animal science, Extension education, or a closely related agricultural field.
• Tenure‑Track: Master’s degree in agronomy, animal science, Extension education, or a related agricultural field.
• Ability to plan, organize and deliver educational programs.
• Experience teaching adult and youth audiences.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English).
• Ability to collaborate with federal, state, university, and county partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Uintah and Daggett Counties and within the state as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in:
  • Range management programming
  • Hay, pasture and beef production.
  • Horticulture programming.
  • 4-H Youth Agriculture programs.
• Skills in:
  • Applied research design and delivery.
  • Scholarly writing and publication.
  • Grant writing.
  • Volunteer recruitment and supervision
  • Using social media in educational outreach
  • Developing online courses.
• Experience working with community partners, stakeholders and agricultural organizations.
• Prior experience with the Land-Grant university system

Required Document