New

Resident Director - Vegetable Research Station

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Alma
Jul 31, 2025
Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students". All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date: Type of Position:Management - Student Affairs Workstudy Position: No Job Type:Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820. Department:AES \| HORT \| Horticulture Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties:The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture seeks an energetic individual to provide creative and exemplary leadership for the Vegetable Research Station (VGSS). The Director will provide leadership for all research and Extension programming at the station, including fiscal leadership for personnel, programs, and physical resources; program planning and implementation with faculty and administration; staff development; active management of field research; coordination with other Division of Agriculture programs; and involvement with professional societies, governmental agencies, and industry groups. The Director will supervise approximately four VGSS staff and additional hourly support staff. The Director will be responsible for recruiting non-resident faculty to perform research on the VGSS by proactively building and maintaining multidisciplinary research and extension programs in specialty crop and agronomic production, breeding and variety performance, pest management, and soil management. The Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Vegetable and Greenhouse Support Station (VGSS). This role includes responsibility for station personnel, resource management, crop production, and on-site research activities. The Director will lead the planning, integration, and implementation of research and extension programs aligned with the land-grant mission. The Director will report to the Head of the Department of Horticulture and serve as a key leader in advancing the mission and impact of the VGSS. Key responsibilities include: Administrative and Fiscal Leadership: Oversee personnel, programs, and physical resources; manage budgets and ensure efficient use of resources. Program Development: Lead program planning and staff development initiatives to support research and extension goals. Funding and Partnerships: Pursue extramural funding opportunities and foster collaborations with Division of Agriculture programs, professional societies, governmental agencies, and industry support groups, including the Arkansas Farm Bureau. Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong working relationships with County Extension Agents, other research station directors, and industry representatives to identify and address stakeholder needs. Outreach and Events: Organize and lead field days, workshops, and presentations that promote VGSS research and extension efforts. Qualifications: A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a closely related field. A minimum of three years of experience in specialty crop or row crop production and research management. Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in: Field crop production practices, including pesticide application, irrigation systems, and farm machinery operation. Agronomic field-plot research, including plot layout, data collection, and record keeping. Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with both scientific and stakeholder audiences. Preferred Qualifications:* A Master of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science or a closely related field. Five or more years of experience in research management and specialty or row crop production agriculture. A proven track record of administrative leadership in managing field research and directing research and/or extension programs. Demonstrated ability to: Collaborate effectively with diverse clientele and stakeholders. Manage fiscal and personnel responsibilities. Communicate with excellence in both written and oral formats. Engage with the agricultural industry and stakeholder groups. A history of professional accomplishments, including successful administrative experience involving personnel, budgeting, and research oversight. Highly desirable: Prior experience within the Land-Grant University System, particularly in field research and/or extension education. Additional Information: Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience. Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s) Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Dr. Mary Savin Professor and Head, Horticulture msavin@uark.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking Frequent Physical Activity:Driving, Grasping, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing Occasional Physical Activity:Climbing, Sharps, Sitting, Standing Benefits Eligible:Yes