Small Farms and Specialty Crop Faculty

JOB DESCRIPTION-SMALL FARMS AND SPECIALTY CROP FACULTY

General Description/Primary Purpose:

This position will be integrally involved with the establishment of the Murray State College Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program. The successful candidate is expected to establish an effective teaching and undergraduate research program related to small farms, urban farms, communities, and regenerative small-acreage food production. Focus areas will include native pecan production, pecan orchard grazing strategies, and specialty crops.

Classification:

Full-Time, Exempt Salary:

Salary commensurate with qualifications, education, and experience, plus full fringe benefits.

Appointment:

12-month appointment, renewable annually

Overview:

Murray State College is a small, open-door community college that provides personal growth and professional success opportunities to students of all educational backgrounds. Employees at MSC will flourish in a family-like environment that offers collegiate support and opportunities for advancement. Located in the heart of the Chickasaw Nation, Murray State College's service area comprises small towns with low cost of living and numerous natural attractions which offer fishing, hiking, and camping. Conveniently located within a two-hour drive of Dallas and Oklahoma City, MSC offers the best of both worlds: small-town life with access to big city offerings.

General Job Functions:

1. Use state-of-the-art technology in the delivery of instruction and other office duties. 2. Demonstrate scholarly standards of academic excellence and rigor, and exhibit the traits befitting that of a distinguished faculty member. 3. Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to cultural diversity as it impacts curricula and instructional practices; show a willingness to work effectively in a culturally diverse workplace and not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran. 4. Support the mission of the college, i.e., provides opportunities for student learning, personal growth, professional success, and community enhancement. 5. Maintain a positive attitude of service toward students, co-workers, and others. 6. Promote and support service-learning activities. 7. Develop and use assessment of student learning methods in the classroom setting and contribute to campus-wide assessment projects. 8. Maintain in coordination with other department faculty (full-time and adjunct) an up-to-date, complete, and well-organized syllabus for each course taught by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. 9. Develop and maintain curricula that appropriately reflect current knowledge in the discipline. 10. Cooperate with departmental faculty in the selection of textbooks and teaching materials. 11. Include a writing component in each course and encourage students to utilize tutoring services. 12. Incorporate the use of the MSC Library and Student Success Center in all courses and make recommendations for library purchases. 13. Support the President's Scholars Program. 14. Participate in Professional Development. 15. Perform other duties as may be assigned/required by supervisors. 16. To meet objectives of virtual work-related situations and/or extended periods when working from home, all faculty and staff must have access to 24/7 reliable off-campus Internet. 17. Successfully complete yearly state-mandated training modules and required NIMS (IS-100.HE and IS-700.a) training upon employment. 18. Complete all training assigned by the Human Resources Department. Specific Job Functions -

Faculty Member:

1. Teach a minimum of 9 credit hours per Spring and Fall semester, or equivalent, in courses that may include, but are not limited to Principles of Horticultural Science, Herbaceous Plant Materials, and Woody Plant Materials. 2. Develop and document scholarship related to the outcomes and impacts of the instructor's teaching program. 3. Collaborate with the Dean of Agriculture, Business and Occupational Technology, Clean Climate grant director, and the Chickasaw Nation in the planning and execution of grant-related goals and outcomes. 4. In coordination with the Dean of Agriculture, Business and Occupational Technology, Clean Climate grant director, develop greenhouse protocols, marketing strategies, and future growth and development of the Clean-Climate Small Farm Institute. 5. Develop and maintain greenhouse operations and staffing. 6. Work with community partners to meet the needs of the local citizenry in terms of greenhouse production, educational programs and materials, and horticulture consultation. 7. Provide service to the program and college via teaching and participating in related committees and activities including, but not limited to, establishing a Horticulture Club and supporting college activities. 8. Carry out responsibilities assigned by the Dean of Agriculture, Business and Occupational Technology in planning and execution of the Fred A. Chapman, Sr. FFA Interscholastic Contest, and additional activities as identified. 9. Perform related duties such as acting as a sponsor to student organizations such as Collegiate FFA, Horticulture Club, etc. 10. Work with MSC faculty and staff to maximize the farm as an educational facility and a productive farm operation. Participate in planning and hands-on implantation of the farm plan in order to meet criterion as set forth by policy and procedures. 11. Recruit students for the Agriculture Program and Murray State College. 12. Maintain a positive working environment with supervisors, co-workers, ODCTE State Agricultural Education/FFA Personnel, and high school FFA instructors. 13. Assist in the development of new agriculture-related programs and projects. 14. Serve on college committees as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, by using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of germane subject matter beyond the introductory textbook level.
• Experience and/or training in using state-of-the-art technology in the delivery of instruction, including but not limited to the Internet and Zoom.
• Develop critical thinking exercises and well-organized lectures.
• Communicate clearly and effectively to students in online courses as well as in in-person classes.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (37.5-hour work week). However, occasional early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be necessary.

Qualification Standards:

1.

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

B.S. in Agriculture or an Agriculture-related program, preferably in the Agronomy, Conservation, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, or Soil Science area. Valid Driver's License is required. 2.

Preferred Educational Qualifications:

M.S. or M. Ag. in Agriculture or Agriculture-related programs, preferably in the Agronomy, Conservation, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, or Soil Science area. 3.

Preferred Experience:

Previous experience and work in horticultural crop production and small or urban farm production; and previous experience that demonstrates successful teaching, student advising, and mentoring. Previous experience serving as a PI or co-PI of extramural, competitive grant projects is also preferred. The demonstrated ability to use traditional and innovative teaching techniques is preferred. 4.

Professionalism:

Members of the Murray State College staff are expected to show professional competence, integrity, and enthusiasm in the performance of all responsibilities. 5.

Image:

Murray State College employees are expected to maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional image at all times while performing their responsibilities. 6.

Background Check:

The successful candidate must give permission to have a formal background check conducted and employment is contingent upon the results of the national criminal and sex offender background check.

Application Process:

1. Letter of Application 2. Resume 3. Unofficial college transcript(s).

NOTE:

Official transcript(s) required upon employment. 4. Murray State College employment application. 5. Background Check Consent Form Submit the application to: Human Resources Office Murray State College One Murray Campus, Suite AD 104 Tishomingo, OK 73460 MSCemployment@mscok.edu

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled. MSC participates in E-Verify.

MURRAY STATE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Murray State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other Federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, student financial aid, and educational services.