Assistant Extension Professor - Rural Sociology

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Assistant Extension Professor - Rural Sociology

Posting Number

P0706F

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Extension Professor with a primary focus on rural sociology to join a diverse environment of high-quality scholars dedicated to the discovery, education, and application of research-based knowledge. This is a 12-month non-tenure track position (100% Extension). The successful candidate will provide leadership for extension programming at the intersection of agriculture, organizations, and communities in relation to social and economic well-being. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to assess evidence-based outcomes that will inform solutions, program direction, and policy. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise and extension interest in one or more of the following areas: processes of domestic social change; inequality; food and agriculture; political economy/ecology; rural communities, including resilience and/or adaptation to climate change; and other environmental and natural resource challenges. Teaching opportunities (e.g., Extension Methods), may be possible upon agreement of the Department Head, the Director of ACES, and the faculty member, but teaching is not required for this position. The expected start date is Fall 2022.
Specific responsibilities include the following:
· Develop a robust, scholarly, and data-driven extension program in rural development and document its impact,
· Serve as a member of Extension’s Farm and Agribusiness Management and Community Resource Development Priority Program Teams to develop needs-based plans-of-work,
· Ensure that program supports activities by Extension teams in Agriculture, Human Sciences, and Forestry and Wildlife,
· Build capacity among Regional Extension Agents and County Extension Coordinators to implement and multiply educational programming consistent with plans-of-work,
· Deliver relevant, new, and creative programming through workshops, county/state/regional presentations, short-courses, and digital products,
· Write Extension and popular press publications, as well as in other media (broadcast radio/TV, social media, podcasts, etc.),
· Collaborate with other professionals at Auburn University to develop and disseminate high-quality research-informed Extension education programs, which are funded by external grants and contracts,
· Generate scholarly output including articles in peer-reviewed journals and/or peer-reviewed Extension publications,
· Provide leadership to the profession through state and regional professional society participation,
· Interpret U.S. Census and Census of Agriculture data to inform internal and external stakeholders of demographic directions and trends,
· Fully participate in Department activities as a faculty member.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Demography, Geography, or closely related applied social science field from an accredited institution at time of employment. Additional qualifications include a practical knowledge of challenges and solutions in U.S. rural development, including relevant policy, as it relates to institutions, food and agriculture, and community development; candidates ought to illustrate an ability to increase this knowledge, especially with regards to Alabama. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment begins and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Strong training is necessary in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and evidence of skills in data visualization will be a desired criterion. A clear interest in public service and Alabama demographic trends is also desired.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must apply for this position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/29377 and attach the following:
1. Cover letter that addresses the experience and/or potential pertinent to the position’s responsibilities plus a vision for this Extension program
2. Current curriculum vita,
3. Unofficial copies of all academic transcripts (official copies are required for hiring)
4. Diversity statement
5. Contact information for three (3) professional references (letters of recommendation will be requested for shortlisted candidates).

The College of Agriculture is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ( DEI ). Our goal is to equip students and employees to achieve their full potential by supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is welcoming and respectful. In your application packet, please include a diversity statement addressing how you have supported DEI in the past or your ideas of future support. Additional information about the college’s DEI goals and objectives can be found at the following link: Diversity Inclusion Plan / Auburn University College of Agriculture
When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references. Only completed application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business July 15, 2022. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Michelle Worosz, Search Committee Chair, email: mrw0016@auburn.edu.

Posting Detail Information

Open Date

Close Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Open Until Filled

No

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Website
   • Public Job Posting (auemployment.com site)
   • Academic Conference
   • Agency Referral
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Personal Referral
   • Veterans Assistance Services (Veteran Job Boards, Military Base Services, State Vet Rep, etc.)
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   • Other
2. * Please enter the specifics of the option you selected above:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Diversity Statement

Optional Documents

1. Other Documentation (2)
2. Other