Description
The Department of Horticulture (http://www.uky.edu/hort/) seeks to fill a 12-month, Extension Title Series, tenure eligible, position at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor rank. This position will involve all aspects of the land-grant mission and has an expected distribution of effort (DOE) of 80% Extension, 15% teaching, and 5% service, with a DOE that is subject to annual adjustment upon mutual agreement. The successful candidate will demonstrate utilization of high-quality Extension outcomes and applied research with an emphasis on pioneering approaches in Ornamental Horticulture. The earliest start date, which is negotiable, is April 1, 2027.
The ornamental and green industries represent a major component of Kentucky’s specialty crop industry and are economic drivers in urban and rural communities. As of the last USDA Census of Agriculture, the farm gate value of floriculture, bedding crops, and nursery crops in Kentucky was nearly $89 million. The sector faces escalating pressures from new and invasive pests, climate variability, water constraints, workforce limitations, and increasing pressure for environmentally responsible management. The expectations for this position are to develop a high-impact Cooperative Extension Service program centered on commercial ornamental plant production. Additionally, it is expected that this work will be focused on grower and industry needs in Kentucky, contributing to resilient landscape and production systems. This faculty member will work in an interdisciplinary environment with faculty, students, staff, and Extension professionals, and will contribute to the College’s strategic plan goals of producing innovative solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration. It is expected that this work will be funded by competitive external grants that result in peer-reviewed publications, and that the candidate will develop scholarly Extension publications and resources, as well as build, maintain, and lead impactful internal and external collaborations and partnerships.
Requirements
Successful candidates will exhibit a strong desire and commitment to quality teaching and student mentorship. Currently, the teaching component will involve being the lead instructor of a single course and making contributions to at least one additional course each year. Potential course topic areas include plant propagation, identification, nursery production, and/or landscape management. Other responsibilities would include mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The Department’s Horticultural Science undergraduate program trains the next generation of plant scientists and specialty crop producers. Departmental faculty are also involved in two nationally recognized interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food Systems and Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology. The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is part of the campus with a mission to showcase Kentucky landscapes and serve as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research, and conservation.
Qualifications: A PhD in horticulture or plant science or closely related field is required. Candidates are expected to possess, or be willing to develop, knowledge, and skills related to commercial ornamental horticultural production. The individual should demonstrate the ability to function as a team leader as well as within a team and to communicate effectively.
Applications should be submitted by November 30, 2026 for full consideration while the position will remain open until filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. The application should include a letter of interest that outlines the candidate’s approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities, and vision for innovative and impactful extension and instructional program that address existing and emerging issues in ornamental horticulture, followed by a career curriculum vita, and conclude with the full legal name, address, email, and phone number for three references. The selected candidate will be required to provide documentation verifying eligibility to work in the United States.
