Assistant/Associate Professor of Agricultural Science

The Agricultural Education and Communication Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure‐track Assistant/Associate Professor with an emphasis in Agricultural Science starting September 11, 2025 or January 5, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The BS Agricultural Science degree program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving needs of the agriculture industry. Students are exposed to an interdisciplinary curriculum across the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and select one of six emphasis areas: Agribusiness, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Animal Science, Crop & Soil Science, Forestry & Natural Resources, or Ornamental Horticulture. The program also prepares students for advanced studies in agriculture teacher credentialing programs while emphasizing career readiness for industry roles. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in agricultural communication, education, and leadership, with a strong commitment to fostering student success and building connections with industry and community stakeholders. They will leverage their expertise to serve as the leader of the BS Agricultural Science degree program, preparing students for a multitude of career pathways. They will also show a commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program and the broader agricultural industry.

Primary teaching responsibilities will include a breadth of courses serving both the BS Agricultural Science and BS Agricultural Communication degree programs including but not limited to, current trends in California agriculture, senior projects, foundations in agricultural leadership, and presentation methods. Duties will include delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural communication, agricultural education, and agricultural leadership; student academic advising; overseeing co-curricular activities; working with students, faculty, staff, and the agriculture industry, specifically in the areas of agriculture where our Agriculture Science students gain employment.

The successful candidate is expected to participate in scholarly activities (e.g., research, grant writing, publications, presentations) as part of their professional development, and contribute to the goals of the department. Service activities will include participation in department, college, and university committees, instructional-related activities, and advising student clubs.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156

Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Earned doctorate degree in agricultural education, communication, leadership, or closely related discipline. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment. Must demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public is essential.

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and/or service, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practices and working with a diverse student body. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching are required. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to candidates with university-level teaching experience and relevant coursework, in addition to those with a minimum of three years of success as a secondary teacher of agricultural education. Experience working with diverse populations and