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Director, Southwest Research and Extension Center (SWREC)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position provides administrative oversight and daily supervision to the operation of the Southwest Research and Extension Center. The Center Director provides leadership to faculty and staff in developing and implementing research and Extension programs. Administrative duties include preparation and management of budgets, allocation of resources, assignment of duties, evaluation of faculty and staff, initiation of promotion actions in concert with appropriate departmental heads, and other duties as assigned by Division of Agriculture administration. The Director is expected to become familiar with all relevant policies and communicate them effectively to faculty and staff. The Director is encouraged to be active as a representative and spokesperson of the SWREC and of the University of Arkansas/Division of Agriculture, in industry, university, regional, state and national forums to identify, communicate and promote SWREC programs, activities and interests. The Director must have the interest and skills to recruit and develop faculty and staff responsive to the research and Extension needs consistent with the mission of SWREC. The Center Director is a member of the administrative team and reports to the Director of the Cooperative Extension Service and the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station while working through the Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Assistant Director for Ag and Natural Resources of the Cooperative Extension Service.

Organization
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Location
Hope, Arkansas

Application Deadline
05/15/2007

QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in an agricultural science or closely related field with experience in conducting a major research, Extension or educational program and academic credentials equivalent to the rank of Associate Professor are required. Experience is preferred in Animal Science, Forestry, Agronomy or Horticulture. The successful applicant must have the ability to manage within the available resources provided and be able to apply resources towards unit strategic objectives. The candidate must be able to manage personnel issues and conflicts fairly and in compliance with Division of Agriculture and university policy. The candidate should have strong professional leadership, communication, interpersonal and administrative skills. Experience in obtaining extramural support and a commitment to assist faculty in acquiring such funds is required. Prior administrative experience is desirable. The ability and willingness to work in a multidisciplinary framework and a collaborative effort with faculty at other research and Extension locations is a must.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Southwest Research and Extension Center (SWREC) is one of five research and extension centers in Arkansas that are part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The Center was originally established as the Fruit and Truck Branch Experiment Station in 1925 and was one of the first three branch stations of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. The acreage was used to conduct tests and experiments on vegetables, trees, small fruits, forestry, cotton and corn. In the 1950’s the focus changed to beef cattle, forestry and crops other than vegetables. It was renamed the Southwest Research and Extension Center in 1981. The SWREC consists of the center director, 4 faculty and 19 staff who support the missions of research and Extension in the areas of animal science, agronomy, plant pathology, forestry and horticulture. Research at the SWREC is closely coordinated with scientists at other centers or campuses. Research findings are developed and distributed to clientele through the Cooperative Extension Service and many of the faculty holds some Extension appointment. The Center currently houses the only Nematode Diagnostic Lab in Arkansas and has recently introduced a Forage and Nutrition Lab. Grants, contracts and industry funds support additional personnel, including graduate students. The SWREC is comprised of 1165 acres, 6 resident houses, 4 greenhouses, 4 labs, an office building, numerous storage buildings, several barns and sheds and approximately 200 head of cattle.

SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with training and experience.

CLOSING DATE: May 15, 2007 or until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applicants must apply on-line at

http://division.uaex.edu/jobs.htm

A letter of application, curriculum vitae, a one page statement of career goals in the context of the position and three letters of reference are required.

Make inquiries to:

Dr. Kelly Bryant, Search committee chair

Southeast Research and Extension Center

P.O. Box 3508

Monticello, AR 71656

870/460-1091

The Division of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, see http://division.uaex.edu/jobs.htm.