The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses various disciplines in research extension and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.

The Crop and Soil Sciences Department has had a widely recognized erosion and sediment control program for more than 20 years. Applied research and extension have been highly integrated to provide the construction industry the most cost-effective practices to deal with erosion, sediment, and turbidity. These are an important part of international, state and local training programs, including a required certification program for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). A field site has been developed near campus for both research and hands-on training with simulated rainfall and storm flows available. The erosion and sediment control program has long been supported by NCDOT to continually improve their construction site stormwater practices. A soil scientist from NC State University is also required to be a member of the North Carolina Sediment Control Commission, which was enacted by the NC Legislature in 1973.

The Crop and Soil Sciences Department has had a robust agricultural non-point source program for over 40 years; some of the earliest national research was conducted at NC State. We have also had a very robust program around the effectiveness of agricultural water quality practices. Like the sediment program, there is a requirement for an extension faculty to serve on several boards and committees, some of them under state statute. State-level nutrient impaired river basin or lake rules (Neuse, Tar-Pam, Jordan, and Falls) require a NC State University agricultural extension scientist to sit on four river basin committees and provide research-based information. Additionally, USDA-NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation depend on faculty from Crop and Soil Sciences to serve on boards that evaluate agricultural conservation practices that protect water quality.

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is pleased to announce recruitment for a 12-month tenure-track Assistant Professor with specific expertise in water quality protection, with formal appointments in Extension (70%) and Research (30%). This position reports to the Department Head of Crop and Soil Science.

The successful candidate will develop a multi-faceted extension and applied research program supporting departmental and college efforts focused around water quality improvement. Critical issues include urban soil management to address sediment and erosion control in our rapidly urbanizing state, conservation practices that are impactful for agriculture, and on-site waste disposal associated with septic systems used by nearly half of NC citizens.

The successful candidate will provide support to state agencies through service on several mandated state-level committees. We also expect the successful candidate to participate in fee-for-service training programs required by practitioners in construction and waste management, and to manage the overall program.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

Other duties as assigned and determined by the department head.

In addition to your application, please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Contact information (names, email addresses, telephone numbers) for at least three professional references.
4. Statement on vision for extension program in water quality protection (Other Document 1).

Applications will be accepted until an acceptable candidate is identified.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.