Assistant or Associate Professor of Farm & Ranch Management, University of Montana Western

Description

The Department of Business & Technology invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in Farm and Ranch Management.  The successful candidate will lead an undergraduate degree offering a Bachelor of Science in Farm and Ranch Management, emphasizing the business aspects of managing farm and ranch Management.  This is a new bachelor's degree now being offered at the University of Montana Western will explore the management of regenerative and conventional production practices.  The faculty member will play a pivotal role in building this program and in developing partnerships with local and regional ranches of all sizes to provide students with experiential learning opportunities.  The University of Montana Western’s unique block model, in which students take one course at a time, and faculty teach one course at a time, allows for truly innovative teaching and learning environments.

The faculty member's expectations include the following:

Teaching:

•  Utilize a variety of experiential teaching methods in UMW’s unique block model to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster student engagement. 
• Deliver engaging and innovative instruction in courses related to farm and ranch management, such as: Ag Commodity Marketing, Agriculture Technology Management, Farm and Ranch Records and Finance, Agriculture Special Topics, and Cooperative Education/Internship

Curriculum Development:

• Work collaboratively with departmental colleagues to develop and enhance the Farm and Ranch Management program curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry trends and emerging best practices.
• Integrate into the program experiential learning opportunities, including but not limited to, internships and cooperative education experiences. 

Research:

• Conduct scholarly research in areas relevant to farm and ranch management, with a focus on addressing local and regional challenges and opportunities in the Agriculture Industry.  

Service:

• Provide academic advising and mentorship to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Farm and Ranch Management.
• Participate in departmental and university service activities, including committee work and academic program assessment.
• Engage with local and regional agricultural communities including the Future Farmers of America (FFA), to foster partnerships and promote the program.

Salary:  Up to $54,000 for Assistant Professor and up to $60,000 for Associate Professor, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement

Contract:  10-months

Start Date:  August 1, 2025

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or terminal degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a related field.  Completed master's degree and Ph.D. “in progress” will be considered for an interim instructor position until the Ph.D. is completed.   

• Demonstrated expertise and industry experience in managing farm and ranch operations, with a strong understanding of traditional and innovative agricultural practices. Montana or similar expertise and experience in managing farm and ranch operations is preferred. 

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience or interest in developing partnerships with agricultural industry stakeholders.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin in October 2024 but will remain open until the position is filled.

A complete application Includes:

1.     Cover Letter – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter  salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

2.       Curriculum Vitae/Detailed Resume

3.       Official or Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire)

4.       Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Benefits Include:

• Insurance package,
• Mandatory retirement plan
• Dependent partial tuition waiver
• Faculty/staff tuition waiver
• Wellness program
• Pro-ra